Full Text
REGD. No. D. L.-33004/99
The Gazette of India
CG-DL-E-24062026-273774
EXTRAORDINARY
PART II—Section 3—Sub-section (i)
PUBLISHED BY AUTHORITY
No. 462] NEW DELHI, TUESDAY, JUNE 23, 2026/ASHADHA 2, 1948
MINISTRY OF COMMUNICATIONS
(Department of Telecommunications)
NOTIFICATION
New Delhi, the 23rd June, 2026
G.S.R. 513(E).— Whereas a draft of the Telecommunications (Authorisation for Provision of Main
Telecommunication Services) Rules, 2025 was published, as required under sub section (1) of section 56 of the
Telecommunications Act, 2023 (44 of 2023), in the Gazette of India, Extraordinary, Part II, section 3, sub-section (i),
vide notification number G.S.R. 606(E), dated the 5th September, 2025, inviting objections and suggestions from all
persons likely to be affected thereby, before the expiry of a period of thirty days from the date on which copies of the
Official Gazette containing the said notification were made available to the public;
And whereas, copies of the said Official Gazette were made available to the public on the 6th September, 2025;
And whereas, the said period was extended till the 21st October, 2025, and comments and suggestions received in
that period in respect of the said draft rules have been considered by the Central Government;
Now, therefore, in exercise of the powers conferred by sub-section (1) and clause (a) of sub-section (2) of section
56 read with clause (a) of sub-section (1) and sub-section (6) of section 3 of the Telecommunications Act, 2023 (44 of
2023), the Central Government hereby makes the following rules, namely:—
CHAPTER I
PRELIMINARY
1. Short title and commencement.—(1) These rules may be called the Telecommunications (Authorisation for
Provision of Principal Telecommunication Services) Rules, 2026.
(2) They shall come into force on the date of their publication in the Official Gazette.
2. Definitions.—(1) In these rules, unless the context otherwise requires,—
(a) “access services” means the telecommunication services provided by a new authorised entity to users
for conveyance of voice or non-voice messages through wireline or wireless telecommunication
network, and the expression “wireline access services” and “wireless access services” shall be construed
accordingly;
(b) “access service authorisation” means the authorisation to provide telecommunication services referred
to as such in sub-rules (1) and (2) of rule 69;
(c) “access spectrum” means the spectrum used to provide access services from base station to user
terminal;
(d) “Act” means the Telecommunications Act, 2023 (44 of 2023);
(e) “authorisation fee”, in relation to an authorisation, means the fee payable by a new authorised entity at
the rates and intervals specified under applicable rules for such authorisation;
(f) “authorised agency” shall have the same meaning as assigned to it in the Telecommunications
(Procedures and Safeguards for Lawful Interception of Messages) Rules, 2024;
(g) “base station” means the radio equipment used to establish one or several cells of a public land mobile
network to enable telecommunication between the core telecommunication network and user terminals;
(h) “bearer service”, in relation to a telecommunication service for which authorisation has been obtained,
means the transmission or reception of messages between network interfaces for provision of such
telecommunication service, and the expression “bearer telecommunication traffic” shall be construed
accordingly;
(i) “cable landing station” means the station located in India where some or all optical fibres comprising a
terrestrial cable that connects to a telecommunication network outside the territory of India or a
submarine cable are terminated, and the station where remaining optical fibres of such cables are
terminated is known as cable landing station point-of-presence;
(j) “calling line identification” means—
(i) the telecommunication identifier assigned to a calling user by the new authorised entity or
licensee providing telecommunication service to such user;
(ii) the name of the user as recorded in the subscriber data record; or
(iii) such other identification as may be specified on the portal;
(k) “captive non-public network” means a wireless terrestrial telecommunication network established,
operated, maintained or expanded by a new authorised entity for—
(i) its captive use; or
(ii) captive use of its user as a standalone telecommunication network or as part of a public land
mobile network;
(l) “cell”, in relation to a telecommunication network, means a geographical area within which a radio
equipment transmits messages to or receives messages from a user terminal;
(m) “cell broadcast” means the method of simultaneously sending messages to multiple users within a
geographical area that may range from a single cell of a base station to the entire telecommunication
network, and the expression “cell broadcast services” shall be construed accordingly;
(n) “Central Government Department” means a Ministry, Department, Secretariat or office specified in First
Schedule to the Government of India (Allocation of Business) Rules, 1961 and includes an attached
office or subordinate office thereof;
(o) “company” shall have the same meaning as assigned to it in the Companies Act, 2013 (18 of 2013).
Explanation.—For the removal of doubts, it is clarified that the expression “company” does not include a “One
Person Company” as defined in the said Act;
(p) “control”, in relation to a new authorised entity or licensee, shall have the same meaning as assigned to
it in the Companies Act, 2013 (18 of 2013);
(q) “co-operative society” means a society registered or deemed to be registered under any law relating to
co-operative societies for the time being in force in any State;
(r) “core telecommunication network”, in relation to a telecommunication network, means a system or
series of systems of telecommunication equipment that routes and manages flow of messages among
different parts of such telecommunication network and performs a range of essential functions including
connectivity, routing, mobility management, authentication, authorisation, user management, policy
management, management of exposure of the telecommunication network and servicing of its
application programme interfaces;
(s) “customer application form”, in relation to a user, means such form to be provided by a new authorised
entity or licensee for furnishing information, accompanied by supporting documents, required to enable
a person to enrol as user, update such information or disconnect the telecommunication services
provided to him;
(t) “designated agency” means any person designated as such by the Central Government for the purposes
of the rule under which he is designated;
(u) “domestic leased circuit” means a leased circuit that connects two or more locations within the national
service area;
(v) “domestic traffic” means messages, including messages in the signalling plane and the user plane of the
telecommunication network, which originate and terminate within the national service area;
(w) “earth station in motion” means a user terminal to avail of fixed satellite service, which is affixed to a
vehicle on land, air or water and remains connected with a satellite while such vehicle is in motion or at
rest;
(x) “effective date”, in relation to an authorisation, means the date specified as such in such authorisation;
(y) “entry fee”, in relation to an authorisation to provide telecommunication services, means the non-
refundable amount of fee to be paid by the applicant for such authorisation;
(z) “exclusive economic zone” means the area referred to as such in the Territorial Waters, Continental
Shelf, Exclusive Economic Zone and Other Maritime Zones Act, 1976 (80 of 1976);
(aa) “fixed satellite service” means a telecommunication service for transmitting and receiving messages
between a satellite or constellation of satellites and an earth station in motion or a very small aperture
terminal;
(ab) “foreign carrier” means a person who provides a telecommunication service outside India for provision
of international long distance services;
(ac) “foreign direct investment” shall have the same meaning as assigned to it in the rules made in respect
of non-debt instruments under the Foreign Exchange Management Act, 1999 (42 of 1999);
(ad) “home network”, in relation to a telecommunication network for which a new authorised entity has
obtained authorisation, means the telecommunication network established by such new authorised entity
in the authorised service area;
(ae) “Indian insurance company” shall have the same meaning as assigned to it in the Insurance Act, 1938
(4 of 1938);
(af) “interconnection” shall have the same meaning as assigned to it in the regulations made under the
Telecom Regulatory Authority of India Act, 1997 (24 of 1997) in respect of inter-connection between
service providers;
(ag) “international long distance network” means a telecommunication network that interconnects with the
telecommunication network of a foreign carrier;
(ah) “international long distance services” means the telecommunication services referred to as such in clause
(b) of sub-rule (1) and clause (b) of sub-rule (2) of rule 78;
(ai) “international private leased circuit” means a leased circuit that connects one or more locations in the
national service area with one or more locations outside such area;
(aj) “international traffic” means messages that originate in the territory of one country and terminate in the
territory of another, where one of the countries is India;
(ak) “internet” is a global system that—
(i) is logically linked together by a globally unique address, based on internet protocol or its
subsequent enhancements or upgradations; and
(ii) is able to support communications using the transmission control protocol or internet protocol
suite or its subsequent enhancements or upgradations, and all other protocols compatible with
internet protocol;
(al) “internet exchange point” means a telecommunication network on which two or more
telecommunication networks carrying internet traffic connect to exchange such traffic;
(am) “internet leased line” means a leased circuit with dedicated capacity that connects an internet node of a
new authorised entity with a user terminal for provision of internet services;
(an) “internet services” means the telecommunication services to access the internet;
(ao) “internet service authorisation” means the authorisation to provide telecommunication services referred
to as such in sub-rules (1) and (2) of rule 74;
(ap) “internet telephony” means transfer of voice messages using internet, and the expressions “internet
telephony network” and “internet telephony service” shall be construed accordingly;
(aq) “leased circuit” means a private dedicated telecommunication circuit that connects two or more locations
using physical connections, transmission bandwidth, circuit switched technology, packet switched
technology or any combination thereof;
(ar) “letter of intent” means the letter issued under sub-rule (2) of rule 7;
(as) “license” means a license, registration or permission, by whatever name called, granted under the Indian
Telegraph Act, 1885 (13 of 1885), and the expression “licensee” shall be construed accordingly;
(at) “limited liability partnership” shall have the same meaning as assigned to it in the Limited Liability
Partnership Act, 2008 (6 of 2009);
(au) “long distance call” means a call that terminates in an area other than the local area in which it originates;
(av) “long distance services” means national long distance services and international long distance services;
(aw) “long distance service authorisation” means the authorisation to provide long distance services;
(ax) “Mobile Number Portability” shall have the same meaning as assigned to it in the regulations made in
this regard under the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India Act, 1997 (24 of 1997);
(ay) “national long distance network” means a telecommunication network that carries bearer
telecommunication traffic, within the boundaries of the national service area;
(az) “national long distance services” means the telecommunication services referred to as such in clause (a)
of sub-rule (1) and clause (a) of sub-rule (2) of rule 78;
(aaa) “national service area” means a service area, which refers to the territory of India, territorial waters of
India and the continental shelf and exclusive economic zone of India, in accordance with section 55 of
the Act;
(aab) “network service operator” means a person who has obtained authorisation as referred to in sub-rule (1)
of rule 9;
(aac) “net worth” shall have the same meaning as assigned to it in the Companies Act, 2013 (18 of 2013);
(aad) “new authorised entity”, means an authorised entity that has—
(i) obtained an authorisation under sub-section (1) of section 3 of the Act; or
(ii) migrated to the terms and conditions of an authorisation under sub-section (6) of section 3
of the Act;
(aae) “network service operator licensee” means a licensee who holds any of the following licenses and has
not migrated to the terms and conditions of the relevant authorisation under sub-section (6) of section 3
of the Act, namely:—
(i) Unified License; or
(ii) Unified Access Service License; or
(iii) license for provision of internet services; or
(iv) license for national long distance services; or
(v) license for international long distance services.
Explanation.—The licenses specified in this clause shall respectively mean the license referred to as
such in the license agreement for the same between the Central Government and the licensee;
(aaf) “overlapping license or authorisation” means the license or authorisation held by an applicant, the scope
and service area of which would be covered in its entirety within the scope and service area of the
authorisation in respect of which an application is submitted under rule 6;
(aag) “parent network service operator”, in relation to a virtual network operator, means the network service
operator or network service operator licensee with whom such virtual network operator has entered into
a contract for provision of those telecommunication services for which that virtual network operator has
obtained authorisation;
(aah) “partnership” shall have the same meaning as assigned to it in the Partnership Act, 1932 (9 of 1932),
and the expression “partnership firm” shall be construed accordingly;
(aai) “passive telecommunication infrastructure” means those elements of the telecommunication network
that support the functioning of active elements of such telecommunication network, such as dark fibre,
electrical equipment including battery and power plant, duct space, heating ventilation and air
conditioning, pole, renewable energy systems and tower;
(aaj) “peering” means the commercial and technical arrangements under which two or more new authorised
entities or licensees or both connect their respective telecommunication network to exchange internet
traffic, directly or through an internet exchange point;
(aak) “pending dues” means unpaid amounts against any claim arising on account of any license, authorisation
or assignment, irrespective of its termination, revocation, surrender or the expiry of its duration, which
are due and payable.
Explanation.—For the purpose of this clause, the expression “claim” shall have the same meaning as
assigned to it in the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, 2016 (31 of 2016);
(aal) “point of interconnection” shall have the same meaning as assigned to in the regulations governing
interconnection under the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India Act, 1997 (24 of 1997);
(aam) “point-of-presence”, in relation to a new authorised entity, means a system of telecommunication
equipment of appropriate capacity established by such new authorised entity to provide
telecommunication services for which it is authorised;
(aan) “portal” means portal as referred to in rule 82;
(aao) “principal telecommunication services” means the telecommunication services specified within the
scope of each authorisation as specified in rule 4;
(aap) “public financial institution” shall have the same meaning as assigned to it in the Companies Act, 2013
(18 of 2013);
(aaq) “public land mobile network” means public telecommunication network established, operated,
maintained or expanded by a new authorised entity for provision of access services;
(aar) “public switched telephone network” means a switched telecommunication network established,
operated, maintained or expanded by a new authorised entity for provision of access services to users,
who are using fixed user terminals;
(aas) “relative”, in relation to an individual, means the husband, wife, brother or sister, or any lineal ascendant
or descendant of such individual;
(aat) “roaming”, in relation to a user who has subscribed to telecommunication services of a new authorised
entity having authorisation to provide such services, means the ability to avail of such services in a
network other than the home network;
(aau) “satellite earth station gateway” means a ground-based system or series of systems of
telecommunication equipment that acts as an interface between a terrestrial network and a satellite or
constellation of satellites, and the expression “satellite earth station gateway provider” shall be construed
accordingly;
(aav) “satellite network” means a telecommunication network comprising a satellite or constellation of
satellites, its satellite earth station gateways and user terminals;
(aaw) “Schedule” means a schedule annexed to these rules;
(aax) “scheduled commercial bank” refers to a bank categorised as such by the Reserve Bank of India;
(aay) “scope”, in relation to an authorisation, means the telecommunication services for which such
authorisation is granted;
(aaz) “service area” means the geographical area in respect of which authorisation for provision of
telecommunication services is granted, which may be national service area or telecom circle or metro
service area;
(aaaa) “subscriber identity module” means a module, by whatever name called, available in any form factor,
used to securely store a unique telecommunication identifier assigned to a user by the new authorised
entity and the related authentication keys to uniquely identify and authenticate such user on the
telecommunication network, and includes a pluggable subscriber identity module, embedded subscriber
identity module (e-SIM), integrated subscriber identity module (iSIM), virtual subscriber identity
module or any other equivalent subscriber identity module;
(aaab) “society” means a society registered under the Societies Registration Act, 1860 (21 of 1860);
(aaac) “State Government Department” means a Ministry, Department, Secretariat or office—
(i) specified in the rules made by the Governor under clause (3) of article 166 of the Constitution,
for the allocation of the business of the Government of the State; and
(ii) a Department of a Union territory Government,
and includes an attached office or subordinate office thereof;
(aaad) “subscriber data record”, in relation to a new authorised entity, means a comprehensive repository of
user information furnished under sub-rule (7) of rule 35, sub-rule (4) of rule 40 and sub-rule (2) of rule
41;
(aaae) “tariff” shall have the same meaning as assigned to it in the orders issued under sub-section (2) of section
11 of the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India Act, 1997 (24 of 1997);
(aaaf) “telecom circle or metro service area” means the service areas listed in Schedule B;
(aaag) “terrestrial network” means a telecommunication network comprising land-based telecommunication
equipment or infrastructure and user terminals, and the expressions “wireless terrestrial networks” and
“wireline terrestrial networks” shall be construed accordingly;
(aaah) “trust” means a trust established under the Indian Trust Act, 1882 (2 of 1882) or under any other law
for the time being in force;
(aaai) “unified service authorisation” means the authorisation to provide telecommunication services referred
to as such in sub-rules (1) and (2) of rule 65;
(aaaj) “user terminal”, in relation to a telecommunication service, means a type of telecommunication
equipment used or intended to be used by a user to avail of such telecommunication service;
(aaak) “virtual network operator” means a person who has obtained authorisation as referred to in sub-rule (2)
of rule 9;
(aaal) “virtual network operator licensee” means a licensee who holds a Unified License (VNO) and has not
migrated to the terms and conditions of the relevant authorisation under sub-section (6) of section 3 of
the Act.
Explanation.—For the purpose of this clause, the expression “Unified License (VNO)” means a license
referred to as such in the license agreement for the same;
(aaam) “very small aperture terminal” means a user terminal to avail of fixed satellite service, installed at a
particular location and connected with satellite, to access telecommunication service;
(aaan) “voucher” shall have the same meaning as assigned to it in the regulations made under the Telecom
Regulatory Authority of India Act, 1997 (24 of 1997);
(aaao) “wireline access service authorisation” means the authorisation to provide telecommunication services
referred to as such in sub-rules (1) of rule 70; and
(aaap) “year” means a continuous period of twelve months commencing from the effective date.
(2) Words and expressions used in these rules and not defined herein but defined in the Act or the rules made thereunder
shall have the meanings respectively assigned to them in the Act or the said rules.
3. Application.—(1) These rules provide for the terms and conditions of authorisation, which shall apply to the
following, namely:—
(a) authorisation for providing principal telecommunication services under sub-section (1) of section 3 of the Act;
and
(b) the relevant authorisation to the terms and conditions of which a new authorised entity has migrated to under
sub-section (6) of section 3 of the Act.
(2) Without prejudice to the provisions of sub-rule (1), the provisions of the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India Act,
1997 (24 of 1997), and the rules and regulations made thereunder shall continue to apply in respect of a new authorised
entity.
CHAPTER II
PRINCIPAL TELECOMMUNICATION SERVICES AND GRANT OF AUTHORISATION
4. Authorisation for principal telecommunication services.—Any person may apply to the Central Government under
rule 6 to obtain authorisation, as network service operator or virtual network operator or both, to provide one or more
telecommunication services that are within the scope and service area of any authorisation specified below:
(a) unified service authorisation for national service area;
(b) access service authorisation for one or more service areas listed in Schedule B;
(c) wireline access service authorisation for one or more service areas listed in Schedule B;
(d) internet service authorisation for national service area or one or more service areas listed in Schedule B;
and
(e) long distance service authorisation for national service area:
Provided that application to obtain wireline access service authorisation may be made only by a person intending
to provide such telecommunication service as virtual network operator.
5. Eligibility.—A person specified in clause (a), who also fulfils the conditions in clauses (b), (c) and (d), shall be
eligible to apply for authorisation under rule 6, namely:—
(a) it is a company—
(i) whose minimum paid-up equity capital is as specified in Schedule C;
(ii) whose minimum net worth is as specified in Schedule C;
(iii) in which foreign direct investment, if any, is in conformity with the policy issued by the
Government of India from time to time in respect of foreign direct investment and applicable
law; and
(iv) the general character of whose management is sound in terms of its track record in providing
telecommunication services or in establishing, operating, maintaining or expanding
telecommunication networks in a responsible manner.
(b) if it possesses one or more authorisations or licenses, or applies for one or more new authorisations, it
shall fulfil the following conditions, namely:—
(i) it has minimum paid-up equity capital equal to the sum of the minimum paid-up equity capital
requirement for each such authorisation or license; and
(ii) it has minimum net worth equal to the sum of the minimum net worth required for each such
authorisation or license.
(c) it meets the requirements under rule 12.
(d) it has no pending dues:
Provided that the Central Government may, if it is satisfied that it is necessary in public interest so to do, exempt
or relax any condition under this rule.
6. Application for authorisation.—(1) A person intending to obtain an authorisation under these rules shall submit an
application on the portal, in such form and manner and accompanied by such documents as specified therein.
(2) Every application under sub-rule (1) shall be accompanied by—
(a) a non-refundable processing fee as specified in Schedule A; and
(b) a certificate by its auditor appointed under the Companies Act, 2013 (18 of 2013), in such form as specified
on the portal, certifying that it meets the eligibility criteria under rule 5.
(3) If the applicant holds any overlapping license or authorisation, it shall relinquish such existing overlapping license
or authorisation as required under these rules.
(4) If the pending dues referred to in clause (d) of rule 5 are subject to ongoing legal proceedings in which there is a
judicial order injuncting payment of such dues, the applicant shall—
(a) comply with the conditions that may have been imposed in such order; and
(b) submit an undertaking to make payments, subject to the outcome of such proceedings,
and submit with its application a certificate by its auditor appointed under the Companies Act, 2013 (18 of 2013), in
such form as specified on the portal, certifying compliance with this sub-rule.
(5) Any application made for grant of a license or letter of intent for grant of a license that may have been issued under
the Indian Telegraph Act, 1885 (13 of 1885), prior to the date of commencement of these rules, shall lapse if the license
under the Indian Telegraph Act, 1885 (13 of 1885) pursuant to such application or letter of intent had not been issued
prior to the date of commencement of these rules.
(6) An applicant to whom a letter of intent issued under sub-rule (5) has lapsed may make an application under sub-rule
(1) for grant of authorisation:
Provided that any non-refundable processing fee or entry fee paid or bank guarantee furnished pursuant to such
letter of intent may be reckoned towards fulfilment of any requirement under these rules as to payment of any processing
fee or entry fee or submission of guarantee required under these rules, as the case may be, while paying or submitting
fee or guarantee to the extent of shortfall, if any, after adjusting the amount paid or submitted previously.
7. Grant of authorisation.—(1) On receipt of application under rule 6, the Central Government may, make such inquiry
as it deems fit regarding the eligibility of the applicant and, for this purpose, require the applicant to furnish such
information as it may call for.
(2) The Central Government may,—
(a) if it is satisfied that the applicant is eligible, issue a letter of intent to such applicant through the portal,
specifying the requirements to be fulfilled for obtaining authorisation, including—
(i) payment of entry fee and submission of an unconditional and irrevocable guarantee for such authorisation
of an amount as specified in Schedule A or for an amount in accordance with sub-rule (6) of rule 6, as the
case may be; and
(ii) submission of an unconditional and irrevocable undertaking in such form and manner as specified on the
portal, relinquishing the overlapping license or authorisation, if any, from the effective date of
authorisation; or
(b) reject the application.
(3) On being satisfied that the requirements specified in the letter of intent are fulfilled by the applicant, the Central
Government may grant authorisation through the portal while specifying, among other things,—
(a) its scope;
(b) the service area and the duration for which the authorisation is granted; and
(c) the effective date of such authorisation.
(4) Each authorisation granted under these rules shall be on a non-exclusive basis and additional authorisations for same
principal telecommunication services may be granted by the Central Government within the same or other service areas
without any restriction on the number of new authorised entities.
(5) A new authorised entity that has been granted authorisation under these rules may apply for assignment of spectrum
under applicable law, subject to meeting any eligibility conditions for such assignment under such law.
Explanation.—For the removal of doubts, it is clarified that grant of authorisation under these rules shall not be
construed as conferring any right to the assignment or use of spectrum on a new authorised entity.
8. Overlapping license or authorisation.—(1) A new authorised entity shall not be permitted to hold any overlapping
license or authorisation:
Provided that such new authorised entity may hold one authorisation as a network service operator and one
authorisation as virtual network operator for any type of principal telecommunication service in the same service area.
(2) The relinquishment of an overlapping license or authorisation, if any, shall be without prejudice to any rights and
liabilities arising from such license or authorisation, as the case may be, and in particular, shall not affect the following,
namely:—
(a) rollout obligations, and any other relevant obligations or liabilities including financial dues, determinations
of violations and imposition of penalty thereof, if any, associated with such overlapping license or
authorisation, shall remain applicable under the terms and conditions thereof, even after the relinquishment,
as the case may be; and
(b) the resource provided and permission given by the Central Government with respect to such overlapping
license or authorisation, shall continue to apply in accordance with the terms on which it was obtained, unless
the Central Government determines otherwise in public interest.
Explanation.—For the purpose of clause (b), the expressions—
1. “resource” means—
(a) the telecommunication identifiers already allocated; or
(b) spectrum assigned to the new authorised entity; or
(c) certificate of compliance held by the new authorised entity in respect of the overlapping license or
authorisation.
2. “permission” includes coverage test certificates as a part of compliance of rollout obligations, clearances,
approvals, permissions for deployment for foreign nationals granted to the new authorised entity, and
other permissions including for remote access and gateways permissions.
CHAPTER III
GENERAL CONDITIONS
9. Network service operator and virtual network operator.—(1) Every new authorised entity who obtains an
authorisation under rule 7 as a network service operator, while conforming with the scope of such authorisation, may
establish, operate, maintain or expand telecommunication network for the following, namely:—
(a) to provide principal telecommunication services; and
(b) to connect its core telecommunication network with telecommunication network of a virtual network operator
or virtual network operator licensee under a contract.
(2) Every new authorised entity who obtains an authorisation under rule 7 as a virtual network operator, while
conforming with the scope of such authorisation, may establish, operate, maintain or expand telecommunication
network, other than such system or series of systems of telecommunication equipment which are used to establish
interconnection or peering with the telecommunication network of other network service operators or network service
operator licensees and shall enter into a contract with one or more parent network service operators to provide principal
telecommunication services:
Provided that,—
(a) the area in which the virtual network operator may provide such principal telecommunication services
shall be such area for which both it and its parent network service operator have authorisation;
(b) such contract shall contain provisions for automatic renewal of the contract on expiry of its term, unless
either party gives at least thirty days prior notice of its intention to not renew the same, and for each
party to the contract to forthwith intimate the other on—
(i) becoming aware of an order of suspension, revocation or curtailment of its authorisation and
any reinstatement of the same;
(ii) submission of an application for surrender of its authorisation, and on receipt of any
communication of the Central Government regarding acceptance or rejection of such
application; or
(iii) becoming aware of any material change in respect of its authorisation; and
(c) in case of wireless access services, there shall be only one parent network service operator with whom
such contract is entered into.
(3) Every virtual network operator which becomes aware of any order of suspension, revocation or curtailment of its
authorisation or submits an application for surrender of the same shall—
(a) give every user of its principal telecommunication services, the option of migrating to a tariff plan of his
choice from among such plans offered by its parent network service operator, without any charge for such
migration or activation of such services; and
(b) make appropriate provision for effecting such migration in the contract entered into by it with its parent
network service operator:
Provided that nothing in this sub-rule shall apply in respect of a wireless access service, other than machine-to-
machine service.
10. Duration of authorisation.—The duration of each authorisation granted under rule 7 shall be such as is specified
under the said rule, subject to a maximum of twenty years and the provisions of rules 16, 17 and 81.
11. Continued adherence to eligibility conditions.—Every new authorised entity shall, throughout the duration of
authorisation, adhere to the conditions under rule 5 except the conditions in sub-clause (ii) of clause (a) and sub-clause
(ii) of clause (b) thereof.
12. Limitations on cross holdings.—(1) Every new authorised entity that has access spectrum assigned to it or holds
authorisation to provide a principal telecommunication service or establish, operate, maintain or expand a
telecommunication network for such telecommunication service or telecommunication network or class thereof as may
be specified on the portal, shall—
(a) not have any beneficial interest in another new authorised entity or a licensee that has access spectrum assigned
to it or holding authorisation or license to provide such telecommunication service or establish, operate,
maintain or expand such telecommunication network in the same service area; and
(b) ensure that none of its material shareholders hold such beneficial interest:
Provided that the limitation under this rule shall not be applicable in relation to—
(i) a virtual network operator and its parent network service operator; and
(ii) virtual network operators that have the same parent network service operator; and
(iii) a new authorised entity that has access spectrum assigned to it and another new authorised entity or a
licensee that holds authorisation or license to provide telecommunication services using satellite
network, subject to the condition that such other new authorised entity or licensee does not have any
assignment of access spectrum.
(2) Every new authorised entity that holds unified service authorisation, access service authorisation, wireline access
service authorisation or long distance service authorisation shall—
(a) not hold any beneficial interest in another new authorised entity or a licensee that holds an authorisation or
license to provide mobile number portability service; and
(b) ensure that none of its material shareholders holds such beneficial interest.
(3) For the purposes of this rule, the expressions—
(a) “beneficial interest”, in relation to a new authorised entity, means, directly or indirectly, holding any shares
by such new authorised entity in another new authorised entity or a licensee, or having control or right to
exercise, or actually exercising control, by that new authorised entity over the affairs of such other new
authorised entity or licensee, and the expression “beneficial interest” in relation to a material shareholder of
such new authorised entity shall be construed accordingly;
(b) “material shareholder”, in relation to a new authorised entity, means a person, other than the Central
Government and a financial institution as defined in the Companies Act, 2013 (18 of 2013), who controls
such new authorised entity or holds equity therein to the extent of ten per cent. or more.
13. Reporting and disclosure.—(1) Every new authorised entity shall—
(a) submit the following to the Central Government every year, on such date and accompanied by a certificate
by its auditor appointed under the Companies Act, 2013 (18 of 2013), in such form and manner as specified
on the portal, certifying—
(i) the details of its Indian and foreign equity, both direct and indirect;
(ii) the details of persons having control over it; and
(iii) compliance with rules 11 and 12:
Provided that the Central Government may exempt new authorised entities that have turnover not
exceeding such amount as may be specified on the portal from the requirement to make such submission.
Explanation.—For the purposes of sub-clause (i), direct and indirect foreign equity shall be determined in
accordance with the policy issued by the Government of India from time to time in respect of foreign direct
investment;
(b) report any change in respect of the following to the Central Government on the portal, namely:—
(i) change in its shareholders resulting from an acquisition, which shall be reported within fifteen days
from the date of such change:
Provided that in relation to a new authorised entity that is listed on the stock exchange, only such
change in shareholdings as is required to be disclosed under the Securities and Exchange Board of
India (Substantial Acquisition of Shares and Takeovers) Regulations, 2011 made under the Securities
and Exchange Board of India Act, 1992 (15 of 1992) or the bye-laws or listing conditions of the stock
exchange concerned, is required to be reported under this sub-clause;
(ii) change in the name under which it has been registered under the Companies Act, 2013 (18 of 2013),
accompanied by certified copy of the certificate of such registration, which shall be reported within
thirty days from the date of issue of such certificate; and
(iii) change in its details, including in respect of foreign equity, control, address and contact details, and
any other material change in the details submitted previously, which shall be reported within fifteen
days of such change; and
(c) furnish to the Central Government such documents, accounts, estimates, returns, reports or other information
as the Central Government may require such new authorised entity to furnish, which shall be furnished within
such period as may be specified by the Central Government.
(2) Every new authorised entity shall nominate and communicate to the Central Government and the designated agency,
in such form and manner as specified on the portal, the details of the nodal person of such new authorised entity, based
in India, who shall be responsible for providing any report or information or extending support as required under these
rules.
(3) If there is admission of an application for initiation of corporate insolvency resolution process against a new
authorised entity under the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, 2016, such new authorised entity shall—
(a) within forty-eight hours of such admission, inform the Central Government in this regard in writing; and
(b) forthwith furnish to the Central Government, a copy of the order of the National Company Law Tribunal
admitting such application.
14. Transfer.—(1) An authorisation may be assigned or transferred only with previous approval of the Central
Government in writing, pursuant to—
(a) a merger, demerger, acquisition or other form of restructuring under applicable law; or
(b) exercise of security interest by a lender to the new authorised entity that holds such authorisation under the
provisions of section 45 of the Act.
(2) Save as provided under sub-rule (1), a new authorised entity shall not—
(a) assign or transfer, in any manner whatsoever, directly or indirectly, in whole or in part, any authorisation
granted to it; or
(b) enter into any partnership or agreement for such assignment or transfer; or
(c) create any interest in such authorisation in favour of a third party, except as provided under section 45 of the
Act.
Explanation.—For the purposes of this rule, appointment of a point of sale by a new authorised entity shall not be
construed as assignment or transfer of, or creation of interest in, authorisation granted to such new authorised entity.
15. Renewal.—(1) Every new authorised entity may submit an application for renewal of authorisation, in such form
and manner as specified on the portal, at least twelve months prior to the expiry of the authorisation, accompanied by
processing fee as specified in Schedule A.
(2) On receipt of a written request from a new authorised entity, the Central Government may permit an application after
the period specified in sub-rule (1), if it is satisfied that there was sufficient cause for not making such application within
such period, subject to payment of such late fees as may be specified by the Central Government in response to such
request.
(3) The Central Government may, in its discretion, on receipt of an application under sub-rules (1) or (2), renew the
authorisation for such period as decided by the Central Government, subject to a maximum of twenty years.
(4) Every renewal of authorisation under sub-rule (3) shall be subject to the applicable law at the time of such renewal.
(5) If the authorisation is not renewed, the new authorised entity shall give every user of its principal telecommunication
services at least thirty days prior notice of expiry of its authorisation and of the options available to such users, including
mobile number portability.
(6) Every new authorised entity shall maintain the quality of principal telecommunication service and
telecommunication network till expiry of its authorisation.
16. Revocation of authorisation.—(1) The Central Government may, without prejudice to any action that may be taken
under section 21 of the Act, by order, revoke an authorisation of a new authorised entity in the following circumstances,
namely:—
(a) if, at any stage it is found that any of the representations, submissions or documents that had been provided by
such new authorised entity with or during the processing of an application for authorisation were false;
(b) if, a new authorised entity is directed to be placed into liquidation or is ordered to be wound up;
(c) if, the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India, in accordance with the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India
Act, 1997 (24 of 1997), recommends revocation of authorisation.
(2) Prior to issuing any order under sub-rule (1) on occurrence of events specified in clauses (a) and (c) of sub-rule (1),
the Central Government shall give an opportunity of being heard to the new authorised entity referred to in sub-rule (1).
(3) Every order under sub-rule (1) shall be published by the Central Government on the portal and be effective from the
sixty-first day from the date of publishing of such order, and the new authorised entity shall give public notice of such
order of revocation within forty-eight hours of it being published on the portal, and shall adhere to sub-rules (4) and (5)
of rule 81.
17. Surrender of authorisation.—(1) A new authorised entity seeking to surrender an authorisation, shall submit an
application in such form and manner as specified on the portal, accompanied by an undertaking, and other information
as may be specified on the portal.
(2) The Central Government may, approve or reject an application submitted under sub-rule (1), and if approved, the
details relating to the authorisation that is surrendered shall be published on the portal.
(3) The new authorised entity surrendering its authorisation under this rule shall, within forty-eight hours of such details
being published on the portal—
(a) give public notice of such surrender;
(b) give every user of its principal telecommunication services notice of—
(i) the effective date of surrender, which shall be thirty-first day from the date of such notice to the user;
and
(ii) the options available to such users, including mobile number portability; and
(c) communicate to the Central Government the effective date of such surrender as communicated to users under
clause (b).
(4) Every new authorised entity shall maintain the quality of telecommunication network and principal
telecommunication services till the effective date referred to in clause (b) of sub-rule (3).
(5) Every new authorised entity shall pay all amounts due and payable to the Central Government till the effective date
of surrender referred to in clause (b) of sub-rule (3), including in respect of authorisation fee.
(6) Every new authorised entity surrendering its authorisation under this rule shall not be entitled to refund of any fees
or charges paid in respect of, or under such authorisation.
18. Actions pursuant to revocation, surrender or expiry of authorisation or license.—(1) On revocation, surrender
or expiry of the authorisation held by a new authorised entity—
(a) the spectrum assigned in respect of such authorisation, if any, shall stand withdrawn from the effective date of
such revocation, surrender or expiry; and
(b) such entity shall manage its radio equipment in accordance with applicable law.
(2) A new authorised entity that has provided telecommunication resources to or has an agreement for interconnection
or peering with any other new authorised entity or licensee, and if the authorisation or license of such other entity or
licensee is subsequently revoked, or has been surrendered or expired, the new authorised entity that has provided the
resource or entered into an agreement, shall withdraw its telecommunication resources, or disconnect such
interconnection or peering, as the case may be, on the effective date of the revocation, surrender or expiry of
authorisation or license of the other entity or licensee.
19. Consequence of migration.—(1) If a new authorised entity submits an application for migration under the
Telecommunications (Terms and Conditions for Migration) Rules, 2026, the relinquishment of any overlapping
authorisation of such new authorised entity shall become effective on the effective date of such migration.
(2) The relinquishment of the overlapping authorisation shall be without prejudice to rights and liabilities arising from
such overlapping authorisation, which shall remain applicable in accordance with the Telecommunications (Terms and
Conditions for Migration) Rules, 2026.
20. Power to call for information.—The Central Government may, for the purposes of giving effect to these rules,
require a new authorised entity to furnish such information as it may call for.
21. Power to relax.—Where the Central Government considers it necessary or expedient so to do, on a request made
by a new authorised entity or otherwise, on occurrence of a natural calamity or any event which in its opinion has
prevented such new authorised entity or class of similarly situated new authorised entities from performance of any of
its obligations under these rules, by order and for reasons to be recorded in writing, relax such performance for such
period and subject to such terms and conditions as it may decide.
22. Power to issue orders, directions or guidelines.—The Central Government may, for the purposes of giving effect
to these rules, issue orders, directions or guidelines not inconsistent with the Act or these rules, which shall also
constitute the terms and conditions applicable to every new authorised entity.
CHAPTER IV
FINANCIAL CONDITIONS
23. Fees and charges.—(1) For the purposes of this Chapter the expressions—
(a) “gross revenue” of the new authorised entity shall include all types of revenues accrued to such new authorised
entity from its operations and activities and all income accrued from any source whatsoever, including but not
limited to, interest, dividend, rent, profit on sale of fixed assets and miscellaneous income, without any set-off
for related items of expenses;
(b) “applicable gross revenue” means the revenue which shall be equal to gross revenue of the new authorised
entity as reduced by the items listed below,—
(i) revenue from operations other than telecommunication activities or operations;
(ii) revenue from activities under an authorisation, permission or registration issued by the Ministry of
Information and Broadcasting;
(iii) receipts from the Digital Bharat Nidhi; and
(iv) revenue falling under the following items, namely:—
(A) income from dividend;
(B) income from interest;
(C) capital gains on account of profit on sale of fixed assets and securities;
(D) gains from foreign exchange rates fluctuations;
(E) income from property rent;
(F) insurance claims;
(G) bad debts recovered; and
(H) excess provisions written back:
Provided that the Central Government may specify the description and conditions applicable
to these revenue sources and the manner of their computation.
(c) “adjusted gross revenue”,—
(i) in relation to a network service operator, shall be calculated by excluding the following from the
applicable gross revenue, namely:—
(a) interconnection usage charges, related to calls and short message service, paid to other new
authorised entities or licensees.
(b) roaming revenues paid to other new authorised entities or licensees within India and
telecommunication service providers outside India; and
(ii) in relation to a virtual network operator, shall be calculated by excluding from the applicable gross
revenue the charges paid by the virtual network operator to its one or more parent network service
operator under a contract for such bandwidth, leased circuits, call minutes and short message services,
as may be necessary for provision of principal telecommunication services to users of virtual network
operator, subject to submission of a copy of such contract specifying such charges, accompanied by a
document evidencing payment of such charges, to the Central Government;
(d) “interconnection usage charges” shall have the same meaning as assigned to it in the regulations made or
directions issued under the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India Act, 1997 (24 of 1997);
(e) “presumptive adjusted gross revenue” means an amount that is equal to five per cent. of sum of the amount
payable by the new authorised entity for right to use of access spectrum and in case such new authorised
entity acquires the right to use of access spectrum at different times, the presumptive adjusted gross revenue
shall be five per cent. of the cumulative sum of all such amounts payable by that new authorised entity for
right to use of access spectrum;
(f) “spectrum charges linked to adjusted gross revenue”, in relation to authorisation, means the charges or fees
in respect of assignment of spectrum, calculated as a percentage of adjusted gross revenue at such rate
specified under the applicable law.
(2) Every new authorised entity shall pay an annual authorisation fee for each authorisation, from the effective date of
such authorisation, which shall be eight per cent. of the adjusted gross revenue subject to the amounts specified in sub-
rules (3) to (7), as applicable.
(3) From the second year of the effective date of the authorisation and for each subsequent year, the authorisation fee
shall be higher of—
(a) eight per cent. of the adjusted gross revenue; or
(b) thirty per cent. of the applicable entry fee as specified in Schedule A.
(4) In the event of renewal of an authorisation, the authorisation fee from the effective date of renewal shall be higher
of—
(a) eight per cent. of the adjusted gross revenue; or
(b) thirty per cent. of the applicable entry fee as specified in Schedule A.
(5) In the event of migration of license to the terms and conditions of relevant authorisation, the authorisation fee from
the effective date of migration shall be higher of—
(a) eight per cent. of the adjusted gross revenue; or
(b) thirty per cent. of the applicable entry fee as specified in Schedule A:
Provided that if the licensee has migrated within twelve months of the effective date of license, the authorisation
fee as referred to in clause (a) of sub-rule (5) shall be payable for the remaining period till the completion of twelve
months from the effective date of the license.
(6) If a new authorised entity has the right to use access spectrum pursuant to assignment under the applicable law,—
(a) the authorisation fee from the effective date of the authorisation shall be the higher of—
(i) eight per cent. of the presumptive adjusted gross revenue; or
(ii) eight per cent. of the adjusted gross revenue;
(b) the authorisation fee from the second year of the effective date of the authorisation shall be higher of—
(i) eight per cent. of the presumptive adjusted gross revenue; or
(ii) the amount specified under sub-rule (3):
Provided that if the authorisation fee is based on eight per cent. of the presumptive adjusted gross revenue, it
shall be calculated from the date of acquiring the right to use of access spectrum or the effective date of the authorisation,
whichever is later.
(7) In the event of renewal of an authorisation or migration to the terms and conditions of authorisation, the authorisation
fee from the effective date of renewal or migration in respect of a new authorised entity that has the right to use access
spectrum pursuant to assignment under the applicable law shall be higher of—
(a) eight per cent. of the presumptive adjusted gross revenue; or
(b) the amount specified under sub-rules (4) or (5), as the case may be:
Provided that if the authorisation fee is based on eight per cent. of the presumptive adjusted gross revenue, it
shall be calculated from the date of acquiring the right to use of access spectrum or the effective date of the renewal or
migration, whichever is later.
(8) The authorisation fee under sub-rules (2) to (7) shall be inclusive of the amount attributable to the Digital Bharat
Nidhi, which shall be equal to five-eighths of such authorisation fee.
(9) The rate of authorisation fee or amount attributable to Digital Bharat Nidhi, as specified in sub rules (2) to (8), may
be varied at any time within the duration of the authorisation.
(10) If a network service operator acquires the right to use of spectrum under the applicable law, in addition to the
authorisation fee, spectrum charges linked to adjusted gross revenue, if any, shall be payable in accordance with rule
24.
(11) A virtual network operator shall pay the spectrum charges linked to adjusted gross revenue in accordance with
rule 24 at the rates applicable for its parent network service operator.
24. Schedule of payment.—(1) The authorisation fee or spectrum charges linked to adjusted gross revenue determined
under these rules shall be payable by every new authorised entity in four quarterly instalments during each financial
year commencing from the first of April, and fee for any duration of authorisation that is less than a quarter shall be
calculated on pro-rata basis based on actual number of days in the relevant quarter.
(2) Every new authorised entity shall make payment of the quarterly instalments of the authorisation fee and spectrum
charges linked to adjusted gross revenue in the following manner, namely:—
(a) the quarterly instalment in respect of each of the first three quarters of a financial year shall be paid within
fifteen days of completion of the relevant quarter; and
(b) the quarterly instalment for the last quarter shall be paid in advance by the twenty-fifth of March, calculated
on the basis of expected revenue for that quarter, subject to a minimum amount equal to the authorisation fee
and spectrum charges linked to adjusted gross revenue paid for the previous quarter:
Provided that the new authorised entity shall adjust and pay the difference between the advance payment
made for the last quarter and the actual amount duly payable for such quarter by the fifteenth of April of the
next financial year.
(3) Payments pursuant to sub-rule (2) shall be calculated on the basis of revenue on accrual basis for the relevant quarter,
and shall be accompanied, in such form and manner as specified on the portal, by a self-certificate and a statement
of revenue for each authorisation held by the new authorised entity, that are signed and electronically verified by a
representative of such new authorised entity who has been duly authorised by a board resolution and general power of
attorney.
(4) Every new authorised entity shall, on or before the thirtieth of June of each calendar year—
(a) submit statement of revenue for all quarters of the previous financial year, in such form and manner as specified
on the portal, duly audited and signed by its auditor appointed under the Companies Act, 2013 (18 of 2013);
and
(b) make the final adjustment of the authorisation fee and spectrum charges linked to adjusted gross revenue,
including applicable interest as per sub-rule (5), for the previous financial year, based on sub-rule (2).
(5) In the event of any delay in payment of authorisation fee or spectrum charges linked to adjusted gross revenue or
any other dues payable by a new authorised entity beyond the period specified for such payment, such new authorised
entity shall also be liable to pay interest calculated at the rate of one-year marginal cost of funds based lending rate of
State Bank of India as existing at the beginning of the relevant financial year, namely first of April, plus two per cent.
compounded annually:
Provided that any part of a month shall be construed as a full month for the purpose of calculation of interest.
(6) Every new authorised entity shall submit a reconciliation statement between the figures appearing in the submitted
quarterly statements of revenue under sub-rule (3) with those appearing in annual accounts, duly audited and signed by
its auditor appointed under the Companies Act, 2013 (18 of 2013), accompanied by a copy of the published annual
accounts and audit report within seven days of the date of signing of the audit report or within the timeline provided
under the Companies Act, 2013 (18 of 2013) for filing of annual financial statements, whichever is earlier:
Provided that the annual financial statements, the statement of revenue and the reconciliation statement shall be
prepared in accordance with such norms or orders or directions as may be specified on the portal.
(7) All sums of money becoming due and payable under these rules shall be paid by the new authorised entity, in such
manner as specified on the portal.
25. Guarantee requirements for authorisation.—(1) Every new authorised entity shall, for the purpose specified in
sub-rule (2), submit an unconditional and irrevocable guarantee, in such form and manner as specified on the portal, of
any of the following types, namely:—
(a) a bank guarantee from any scheduled commercial bank or public financial institution, with a minimum validity
period of one year from the date of its issuance;
(b) a performance bond, issued by an Indian insurance company, in accordance with the guidelines made under
the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority Act, 1999 (41 of 1999), with a minimum validity period
of one year from the date of its issuance; or
(c) non-interest-bearing cash deposit with the Central Government.
(2) The purpose of the guarantee as specified in sub-rule (1) is to provide security for compliance of all the terms and
conditions of the authorisation, including but not limited to payment of authorisation fee, spectrum charges linked to
adjusted gross revenue, penalty imposed for contravention or breach of any of the terms and conditions of the
authorisation or non-compliance of the orders or directions or guidelines issued by the Central Government and any
other dues payable under the authorisation.
(3) The guarantee submitted under sub-rule (1) shall be subject to annual review by the Central Government and the
new authorised entity shall maintain a valid guarantee throughout the duration of authorisation, or until all dues under
the authorisation are cleared, whichever is later:
Provided that the initial guarantee pursuant to the letter of intent shall be for the amount as specified in respect
of each relevant authorisation in Schedule A or for an amount referred to in sub-rule (6) of rule 6, and for each subsequent
year of authorisation, the guarantee shall be for an amount determined by the Central Government, based on the
higher of—
(a) the amount of initial guarantee as specified in respect of each relevant authorisation in Schedule A; or
(b) twenty per cent. of combined estimated sum, calculated in accordance with the procedure as may be specified
on the portal, of the following, namely:—
(i) authorisation fee payable for two quarters;
(ii) spectrum charges linked to adjusted gross revenue payable for two quarters; and
(iii) any other dues that are not otherwise secured.
(4) Every new authorised entity shall extend the validity period of the guarantee submitted under this rule by a minimum
of one year, at least one month prior to the date of its expiry, without any demand or notice from the Central Government.
(5) Failure to maintain a valid guarantee at any time throughout the duration of authorisation, or until all dues under the
authorisation are cleared, whichever is later, shall entitle the Central Government to encash the bank guarantee, claim
the performance bond or appropriate the cash deposit, without any notice to the new authorised entity:
Provided that no interest or compensation shall be payable by the Central Government on encashment, claim or
appropriation of such guarantee.
(6) If the guarantee has been encashed, claimed or appropriated, fully or partially, the new authorised entity shall restore
such encashed, claimed or appropriated guarantee to the full amount within thirty days thereof:
Provided that the Central Government may, on receipt of a written request from such new authorised entity before
the expiry of the period specified in sub-rule (6), allow a one-time extension not exceeding ten days, for such restoration,
subject to reasons being recorded in writing.
(7) The Central Government may encash, claim or appropriate the guarantee submitted by the new authorised entity in
the following cases, namely:—
(a) non-payment of authorisation fee, spectrum charges linked to adjusted gross revenue, or any other dues
payable under the authorisation or assignment;
(b) non-payment of dues arising out of penalties imposed by the Central Government; or
(c) breach of any other term or condition of authorisation or assignment:
Provided that before taking any action under this sub-rule, the Central Government may issue a notice to such
new authorised entity and afford it a reasonable opportunity of being heard.
(8) On revocation, surrender or expiry of the authorisation, the Central Government shall release the guarantee only
after ensuring clearance of all dues, which such new authorised entity is liable to pay to the Central Government:
Provided that in case of failure to pay the amounts due to the Central Government, the outstanding amounts shall
be realised through encashment, claim or appropriation of the guarantee as provided in sub-rule (7), without prejudice
to any other actions for recovery of the amounts due to the Central Government.
26. Assessment of authorisation fee and spectrum charges linked to adjusted gross revenue.—(1) The Central
Government may carry out the assessment of authorisation fee and spectrum charges linked to adjusted gross revenue,
in accordance with the procedure as specified on the portal in this behalf.
Explanation.—For the purposes of this rule, the expression “assessment” shall include reassessment and re-
computation.
(2) Every new authorised entity shall submit relevant documents in support of the amount excluded from applicable
gross revenue to arrive at adjusted gross revenue in accordance with the orders, directions or guidelines issued by the
Central Government.
(3) If a new authorised entity holds more than one authorisation for any other telecommunication service or
telecommunication network or for the same telecommunication service in a different service area, it shall draw, maintain
and furnish separate accounts and a separate statement of computation of authorisation fee for each such authorisation.
(4) Every new authorised entity shall, in respect of each authorisation it holds—
(a) compile and maintain accounting records, that are sufficient to show and explain its transactions in respect of
each completed quarter throughout the duration of the authorisation or of such lesser periods as may be
specified on the portal, fairly presenting the costs, including capital costs, revenue, and financial position of
such new authorised entity’s business under the authorisation including a reasonable evaluation of the assets
employed in and the liabilities attributable to that new authorised entity’s business for the quantification of
revenue or any other purpose;
(b) ensure that bilateral settlement of accounts with other new authorised entities or licensees or with
telecommunication service providers outside India for international roaming are conducted through normal
banking channels in a transparent manner; and
(c) furnish to the Central Government details of the mechanism for the settlement of accounts with other new
authorised entities or licensees or telecommunication service providers outside India, including in respect of
interconnection usage charges, charges for usage of network and facilities and charges for domestic and
international roaming as well as details of the actual settlements.
(5) Every new authorised entity shall maintain and preserve billing records and other accounting records relating to the
provision of principal telecommunication services under the authorisation, for each financial year, in electronic form as
well as hard copy, for a period of at least six years from the date of publishing of its duly audited and approved annual
accounts:
Provided that if such new authorised entity seeks to maintain and preserve such records in only electronic form,
it may do so with the prior approval of the Central Government, which may be considered on a case-to-case basis and
on such approval being expressly granted, such records shall be maintained and preserved in accordance with rule 3 of
the Companies (Accounts) Rules, 2014 made under the Companies Act, 2013 (18 of 2013):
Provided further that if the authorisation fee, spectrum charges linked to adjusted gross revenue or any other dues
for any period are under dispute, the said records shall be retained until such dispute is resolved.
(6) The Central Government may, at any time, direct the new authorised entity to supply information or provide access
to the books of annual accounts that such new authorised entity maintains under the terms of its authorisation, and that
new authorised entity shall forthwith adhere to such direction.
(7) The Central Government may, at any time, subject the records of any new authorised entity to such scrutiny as it
may determine, with a view to facilitating independent verification of the amounts payable to the Central Government,
including authorisation fee, spectrum charges linked to adjusted gross revenue, and any other charges.
(8) The Central Government may, on forming an opinion that the statements of revenue in respect of an authorisation
or annual accounts submitted by the new authorised entity are inaccurate or misleading, or for any other reason, order
audit of the accounts of such new authorised entity, by appointing one or more auditors, who shall have the same powers
which the auditors of the company have under sub-section (1) of section 143 of the Companies Act, 2013 (18 of 2013),
and on such charges as decided by the Central Government, which shall be payable by that new authorised entity.
(9) If any new authorised entity fails to submit the annual accounts, audit report and other required documents under
sub-rules (4) and (6) of rule 24 within nine months from the end of relevant financial year, the Central Government,
after reviewing all available documents and information and relevant materials, may carry out the assessment of
authorisation fee or spectrum charges linked to adjusted gross revenue, on best judgement basis:
Provided that before proceeding with such an assessment, the Central Government shall issue a notice to such
new authorised entity providing it an opportunity of being heard.
(10) No assessment under this rule shall be carried out for a relevant financial year after the lapse of a period of four
years from the end of such financial year except as provided under sub-rule (11).
(11) The Central Government may carry out an assessment after the lapse of four years from the end of the relevant
financial year, and up to six years from the end of such financial year, if it is of the opinion that the amount that has not
been subject to assessment is likely to be equivalent to an amount of fifty lakh rupees or more for such financial year.
(12) For the purposes of computing the period of limitation as specified under sub-rule (10) and sub-rule (11), any period
of stay on such assessment pursuant to an order or injunction of any court, shall be excluded.
(13) Notwithstanding anything contained in sub-rule (10) and sub-rule (11), assessment of authorisation fee or of
spectrum charges linked to adjusted gross revenue may be carried out at any time pursuant to any finding or direction
contained in an order passed by a court of competent jurisdiction.
(14) The Central Government may, in order to ensure proper and accurate assessment, verification and settlement of
authorisation fee and spectrum charges linked to adjusted gross revenue, issue directions to new authorised entity, in
respect of any principal telecommunication services, in relation to accounts and audit of such new authorised entity, and
that new authorised entity shall adhere to such directions.
27. Set off.—(1) The Central Government may adjust or set off any amount payable by a new authorised entity to the
Central Government against any amount payable by it to such new authorised entity, whether such amount is presently
due or may become due at any time in future, including any amount arising from the encashment, claim or appropriation
of the guarantee.
(2) The Central Government shall, subsequent to any action taken under sub-rule (1), inform the new authorised entity
of such set-off.
28. Recovery of dues.—Without prejudice to other modes of recovery, any amount due to the Central Government by
a new authorised entity, if not paid, shall be recovered as an arrear of land revenue.
CHAPTER V
TECHNICAL AND OPERATING CONDITIONS
29. Telecommunication network.—(1) Every new authorised entity having an authorisation under these rules, while
conforming with the scope of such authorisation, may establish, operate, maintain or expand telecommunication network
and may also possess radio equipment, without requiring separate authorisation under clauses (b) or (c) of sub-section
(1) of section 3 of the Act:
Provided that in respect of assignment and use of spectrum, sub-rule (5) of rule 7 shall apply.
(2) Every new authorised entity may establish, operate, maintain or expand the telecommunication network using any
technology for providing principal telecommunication services pursuant to its authorisation in accordance with the Act
and rules made thereunder, and shall ensure that such telecommunication equipment, telecommunication identifier and
telecommunication network used, and such principal telecommunication services provided are in conformity with
applicable standards and conformity assessment measures that the Central Government may notify under section 19 of
the Act:
Provided that the Central Government or the designated agency may carry out performance tests on such
telecommunication network, telecommunication equipment or principal telecommunication services to ascertain
conformity with applicable standards and conformity assessment measures:
Provided further that the new authorised entity shall supply such tools, test instruments and other accessories and
extend such necessary support as the Central Government or the designated agency may specify, for conducting tests
on the telecommunication network and of the principal telecommunication services, at any time throughout the duration
of the authorisation.
(3) Every new authorised entity shall synchronise its telecommunication network’s system clock with the national clock,
in accordance with the orders, directions and guidelines issued by the Central Government, and in accordance with such
standards for telecommunication network synchronisation as may be notified by the Central Government.
(4) Every new authorised entity shall furnish details of principal telecommunication services being provided and the
telecommunication network being used to provide such principal telecommunication services, including the details of
technology deployed by it, to the Central Government or the designated agency, at such times as may be required
pursuant to any direction issued by the Central Government in this regard.
(5) Every new authorised entity shall make its own arrangements, including in respect of right of way, for establishing,
operating, maintaining or expanding telecommunication networks and shall be solely responsible for the establishment,
operation, maintenance, expansion and commissioning of necessary infrastructure, telecommunication equipment and
systems, and all aspects of its telecommunication network:
Provided that such new authorised entity may take telecommunication network, passive telecommunication
infrastructure or telecommunication resources as a service or on lease or hire or on sharing basis, as per applicable rules,
on mutually agreed terms from other new authorised entities or licensees.
(6) The non-availability of right of way or delays in obtaining right of way permission by the new authorised entity shall
not be a cause or ground for non-fulfilment of the rollout obligations or non-compliance with any other obligations
under these rules.
(7) If a new authorised entity requires right of way for establishing, operating, maintaining or expanding its
telecommunication network, it shall not, directly or through its facility provider, enter into any agreement for exclusive
grant of such right of way with the person having the right to grant that right of way.
(8) Every new authorised entity shall adhere to any plans for telecommunication as may be notified by the Central
Government, including the national numbering plan and the National Frequency Allocation Plan.
(9) The telecommunication network taken by a new authorised entity—
(a) as a service from any other new authorised entity or licensee;
(b) on lease or hire from any other new authorised entity, licensee or an entity that has the satellite or space segment
capacity authorised by the Department of Space in the Government of India, or any other designated agency
specified for this purpose; or
(c) on sharing basis from any other new authorised entity or licensee, as per the applicable rules,
shall be treated as part of the telecommunication network of such new authorised entity for the purposes of provision of
principal telecommunication services and compliance of the terms and conditions of the authorisation.
(10) Every new authorised entity, while establishing, operating, maintaining or expanding public land mobile network,
shall adhere to the electromagnetic field exposure norms notified by the Central Government for this purpose and shall
conduct self-assessment of each base station for checking compliance with such norms, and provide self-certification of
such compliance on the portal.
(11) Every new authorised entity shall publish on its website the geographical area wise details of availability of the
principal telecommunication services in accordance with the orders, directions or guidelines issued by the Central
Government.
(12) Every new authorised entity shall not interconnect leased circuits with public switched telephone network, public
land mobile network or internet telephony network.
(13) Every new authorised entity shall adhere to orders, directions or guidelines issued by the Central Government in
respect of the following, namely:—
(a) deployment of energy efficient telecommunication equipment;
(b) preferential market access for procurement of indigenously manufactured telecommunication equipment;
(c) enrolment of test users and testing of its telecommunication network, before commercial launch of principal
telecommunication services; and
(d) disposal of the radio equipment.
30. Location of telecommunication network systems.—(1) Every new authorised entity shall provide location details
of all such systems of its telecommunication network to the Central Government as it may direct.
(2) Every new authorised entity shall, prior to establishment or expansion of telecommunication network in security
sensitive areas as may be specified by the Central Government, apply to the Central Government on the portal, for its
approval.
(3) Every new authorised entity shall ensure that—
(a) all systems of its telecommunication network,—
(i) owned, or taken as a service from another new authorised entity or licensee; or
(ii) on lease, hire or sharing basis from another new authorised entity or licensee;
are located within its service areas of authorisations for provision of principal telecommunication services:
Provided that in cases where telecommunication network is taken as a service from a cloud-hosted
telecommunication network provider or satellite earth station gateway provider authorised under applicable
law, the systems of such telecommunication network may be located anywhere in India; and
(b) all data, logs and information associated with its telecommunication network shall be stored within India and
no copies of such data, logs and information shall be routed, shared or made available outside India.
(4) Every new authorised entity shall adhere to maps provided by the Survey of India for precise delineation of service
area of authorisation along international borders, if any.
31. Sharing of telecommunication network and infrastructure.—(1) A new authorised entity having different
authorisations, may share its passive telecommunication infrastructure, telecommunication equipment or any other
system of its telecommunication network for providing principal telecommunication services permitted under the scope
of its authorisations, subject to compliance with the conditions specified under these rules.
(2) The new authorised entity as referred under sub-rule (1), may enter into mutual agreements with any other new
authorised entity or licensee for sharing its passive telecommunication infrastructure, telecommunication equipment or
any other system of its telecommunication network:
Provided that—
(i) any such mutual agreement to share core telecommunication network, lawful interception system and lawful
interception monitoring facilities shall be subject to the conditions specified in sub-rules (3) and (4)
respectively;
(ii) such new authorised entity shall, prior to entering into such agreement, ensure that the new authorised entity
or licensee with which it intends to enter into the agreement is eligible to obtain such passive
telecommunication infrastructure, telecommunication equipment, or any other system of its
telecommunication network; and
(iii) any such mutual agreement shall not absolve either of the new authorised entities or licensees from adhering
to the terms and conditions of their respective authorisations.
(3) A new authorised entity may share its core telecommunication network elements pertaining to such principal
telecommunication services, as may be specified on the portal, with other new authorised entities or licensees with the
prior approval of the Central Government in writing obtained by such new authorised entity pursuant to an application
made, in such form and manner as specified on the portal:
Provided that the Central Government may grant such approval subject to such conditions as may be specified,
among other things, that such approval shall not result in less than two core telecommunication networks for the principal
telecommunication service in a given service area:
Provided further that for sharing of the core telecommunication network elements pertaining to any other
principal telecommunication service, not specified in sub-rule (3), prior approval from the Central Government shall not
be required.
(4) A new authorised entity may share its lawful interception system and lawful interception monitoring facilities with
other new authorised entities or licensees only after prior approval of the Central Government in writing.
32. Telecommunication network interconnection and peering among network service operators.—(1) Every
network service operator may interconnect or peer its telecommunication network with the telecommunication network
of any other network service operator or network service operator licensee subject to sub-rules (2), (3) and (4).
(2) The network service operator while undertaking interconnection or peering with the telecommunication network of
any other network service operator or network service operator licensee shall ensure—
(a) that the transmission systems for interconnection or peering meet the requirements under section 19 of the Act
in respect of standards and interface requirements;
(b) that interconnection and peering, as required, is established on Internet Protocol interface for carrying Internet
Protocol-based traffic, as per the standards, including those notified under section 19 of the Act:
Provided that the network service operator shall convert circuit switched traffic to Internet Protocol
based traffic before sending circuit switched traffic to the telecommunication networks of another network
service operator or network service operator licensee;
(c) establishment and maintenance of one or more points of interconnection and peering of sufficient capacity as
are reasonably required for transmission and reception of messages in conformity with the standards and
conformity assessment measures as may be notified by the Central Government under section 19 of the Act;
and
(d) that interconnection and peering is technically compatible and effective.
(3) The network service operator shall provide and update the details of interconnection and peering undertaken with
any other network service operator or network service operator licensee to the Central Government on the portal.
(4) The network service operator that has an agreement for interconnection or peering with other network service
operator or network service operator licensee, whose authorisation or license, is the subject of revocation, surrender or
expiry, shall disconnect any interconnection or peering, and where it has provided any telecommunication resource,
withdraw such telecommunication resources on the effective date of revocation, surrender or expiry.
33. Monitoring and suspension of principal telecommunication services.—(1) Every new authorised entity shall
deploy appropriate technical measures, including automated tools or other suitable mechanisms at its own cost for the
application of provisions of sub-section (2) of section 20 of the Act:
Provided that in case of a service area comprising of more than one State or Union territory, the new authorised
entity shall ensure such measures enable compliance with sub-section (2) of section 20 of the Act for each relevant State
and Union territory separately.
(2) Nothing contained in these rules shall adversely affect anything provided or laid pursuant to the Act or any other
applicable law.
(3) Every new authorised entity having authorisation to provide access services, internet services, international long
distance services, or permission to establish international internet gateway, international long distance gateway or
satellite earth station gateway shall, in accordance with the orders, directions or guidelines that the Central Government
may issue in this behalf, and at its own cost—
(a) establish, operate, maintain and expand suitable lawful interception system and lawful interception
monitoring facilities in relation to interception of messages or class of messages; and
(b) wherever required, provide integration of the same with such systems and in such manner as the Central
Government may specify.
Provided further that the Central Government may, on case-to-case basis, on a written request from a new
authorised entity, exempt such entity from the requirement of this sub-rule where—
(i) number of users of that entity are less than such number, as may be specified by the Central Government;
or
(ii) the upstream bandwidth on an internet gateway node has been obtained by that new authorised entity from
only one new authorised entity or licensee.
(4) Every new authorised entity having authorisation to provide access services or international long distance services,
or permission to establish international long distance gateway shall ensure uninterrupted monitoring of such number of
simultaneous calls and provision for monitoring of such minimum number of telecommunication identifiers, as specified
in the orders, directions or guidelines issued by the Central Government in this regard.
34. Commencement of provision of principal telecommunication services to users.—(1) Every new authorised entity
shall, after providing prior intimation to the Central Government on the portal, commence provision of any principal
telecommunication service permitted under the scope of its authorisation.
(2) The new authorised entity that has provided intimation under sub-rule (1) shall demonstrate to the Central
Government at such time as it may require, including furnishing of such information as it may call for, that principal
telecommunication services are being provided in accordance with the scope of its authorisation.
(3) The new authorised entity shall—
(a) before commencement of provision of any principal telecommunication service to users, conduct self-audit
of systems and facilities established under rule 33, as per the test schedule and test procedure as may be specified
by the Central Government through orders, directions or guidelines, and provide a certification of compliance
to the Central Government along with the proposed date of commencement of provision of principal
telecommunication service to users;
(b) within fifteen days from the date of commencement of provision of principal telecommunication service to
users,—
(i) inform to the Central Government the date of commencement of provision of principal
telecommunication service to users; and
(ii) offer for demonstration as per the test schedule and test procedure used for undertaking self-audit under
clause (a) to the Central Government and the authorised agency;
(c) on receiving a communication from the Central Government that it has failed to demonstrate compliance with
rule 33 pursuant to tests under clause (b), forthwith suspend provision of such principal telecommunication
service till such time as the deficiencies are rectified and demonstrated in compliance with the test schedule
and test procedure referred to in clause (a); and
(d) after successful demonstration under clauses (b) or (c), if the Central Government specifies additional
functional requirements for such lawful interception system and lawful interception monitoring facilities, the
new authorised entity shall update such systems and facilities in the time period so specified and offer for
demonstration to the Central Government and the authorised agency:
Provided that before commencement of provision of principal telecommunication services through
international internet gateway, international long distance gateway or satellite earth station gateway, the new
authorised entity shall demonstrate lawful interception system and lawful interception monitoring facilities as
per test schedule and test procedure referred to in clause (a).
35. Provision of principal telecommunication services.—(1) Every new authorised entity shall—
(a) prior to commencement of provision of principal telecommunication services to users, inform and publicise
the details of the process and procedure on its website as per which any user may register a demand or make a
request for such telecommunication services;
(b) without any discrimination register the demand for principal telecommunication services referred in clause (a),
from any user in the service area and where technically feasible, provide such telecommunication services to
such user, unless otherwise directed by the Central Government;
(c) not discriminate between users registered for its principal telecommunication services under clause (b) with
regard to commercial principles for provision of such telecommunication services;
(d) maintain a transparent and open to inspection waiting list of users, whose request for provision of principal
telecommunication services is pending;
(e) define the scope of each principal telecommunication service to user, at the time of registration of demand and
enrolment of user;
(f) ensure that the user terminal is operated in accordance with the terms and conditions of its authorisation;
(g) issue or cause to be issued in its own name, bills, invoices or vouchers, by whatever name called, to its users
for use of the principal telecommunication services with adequate details to the users about the genuineness of
such bills, invoices or vouchers.
(h) maintain necessary records of the itemised usage in accordance with the orders, directions or guidelines issued
by the Central Government;
(i) offer itemised usage details, as maintained in clause (h), to its users;
(j) inform to users in writing, all the policies and arrangements with respect to repair, fault rectification,
compensation or refunds; and
(k) ensure quality of service of principal telecommunication service in conformity with the standards and
conformity assessment measures as may be notified by the Central Government under section 19 of the Act.
(2) The Central Government may specify on the portal the restrictions on provision or use of principal
telecommunication services in restricted areas falling near the international borders of the territory of India, the Line of
Control, the Line of Actual Control of India or any other areas as may be specified on the portal:
Provided that in such restricted areas, the Central Government may allow provision or use of such
telecommunication services to specified users and the new authorised entity shall facilitate the same based on directions
issued by the Central Government in this behalf.
(3) The new authorised entity may undertake sale, hire, purchase, lease or rent of user terminals, and users shall be given
the option to procure the user terminal from open market.
(4) The new authorised entity may, for the last mile connectivity, in addition to its telecommunication network, use the
cable network of a cable operator registered under the Cable Television Networks (Regulation) Act, 1995 (7 of 1995).
(5) Save as provided in sub-rule (7) and rules 16, 17 and 81, the new authorised entity shall ensure continuity of the
principal telecommunication services to its users.
(6) If the new authorised entity seeks to discontinue provision of one or more, but not all principal telecommunication
services to its users, the following provisions shall apply, namely:—
(a) such new authorised entity shall submit an application to the Central Government on the portal, at least
sixty days prior to the intended date of discontinuation of provision of such principal telecommunication
service, accompanied by the reasons for such intended discontinuation;
(b) the Central Government may approve such application or reject that application on grounds of public
interest, national security or due to occurrence of national emergency or war;
(c) such new authorised entity shall pursuant to an approval under clause (b) issue a notice of discontinuation
of provision of that principal telecommunication service to users of such telecommunication service, at
least thirty days in advance of the intended date of discontinuation, stating the effective date of
discontinuation and options available to such users, including mobile number portability, wherever
applicable; and
(d) such new authorised entity shall refund to the user the balance amount including security deposit, if any,
available with that new authorised entity within a period of thirty days from the effective date of
discontinuation of provision of such principal telecommunication service:
Provided that sub-rule (7) shall not be applicable for any discontinuation of principal telecommunication services
pursuant to revocation or suspension of such telecommunication services by the Central Government under the Act or
rules 16, 17 and 81.
(7) If the new authorised entity receives a request from a user for disconnection of subscribed principal
telecommunication services, it shall undertake the disconnection subject to the identification of such user in accordance
with the process specified in sub-rules (2) or (3) of rule 40, as the case may be, and update such disconnection, in real
time, in the relevant databases, including in the subscriber data record.
(8) Every new authorised entity shall establish and publicise necessary mechanisms including an online mechanism to
enable users to register any grievance pertaining to subscribed principal telecommunication service and to redress such
grievance, in accordance with the applicable law.
(9) Any dispute with regard to the provision of principal telecommunication services shall only be between a user and
the new authorised entity and such new authorised entity shall duly inform the same to the user before provision of such
telecommunication services, and the Central Government shall not bear any liability or responsibility in the matter.
(10) Every new authorised entity shall indemnify the Central Government against all claims, costs, charges or damages
arising from any claims from users for any reason whatsoever.
(11) Every new authorised entity shall while providing any telecommunication resource to another new authorised
entity, the entity exempted from the requirement of authorisation under the applicable law or licensee satisfy itself that
such entity is eligible to obtain such telecommunication resource.
(12) Every new authorised entity shall while obtaining any telecommunication resource from another new authorised
entity, the entity exempted from the requirement of authorisation under the applicable law or licensee, satisfy itself that
such new authorised entity is eligible to provide such telecommunication resource.
36. Right to inspect and undertake assessments.—(1) The Central Government may, for the purposes of monitoring
compliance with these rules, after issuing a notice to the new authorised entity in this regard,—
(a) access and inspect the sites where telecommunication equipment and telecommunication network are
established for provision of principal telecommunication services, including within a user’s premises;
(b) audit processes or systems established by such new authorised entity for compliance of these rules:
Provided that no notice shall be provided to such new authorised entity if the Central Government considers that
immediate action is necessary or expedient in public interest:
Provided further that the Central Government may appoint a designated agency to audit processes or systems
established by that new authorised entity for compliance of these rules, on such charges as decided by the Central
Government, which shall be payable by that new authorised entity:
Provided also that such designated agency shall not collect nor require the disclosure of any information, the
disclosure of which may harm the competitive position of any user or the new authorised entity, including any
confidential data, commercially price sensitive data, trade secrets, intellectual property, or information covered by
fiduciary relationship from the telecommunication network or premises of that new authorised entity or user:
Provided also that if the Central Government considers the collection of information of new authorised entity
that is covered by the third proviso is necessary for arriving at the findings of the audit, then it may direct the designated
agency to collect such data and the decision of the Central Government in this regard shall be final.
(2) Every new authorised entity shall provide the necessary facilities and support to facilitate the audit and inspection
as required under sub-rule (1).
37. Confidentiality of information.—(1) The Central Government may evaluate any telecommunication equipment
used for encryption, connected to a new authorised entity’s telecommunication network and such new authorised entity
shall remove any such equipment if so directed by the Central Government.
(2) Every new authorised entity shall, subject to the terms and conditions of the authorisation, take all necessary steps
to safeguard the privacy and confidentiality of any information of a user and its business, to whom it provides the
principal telecommunication services or from whom it has obtained such information for provision of
telecommunication service and shall endeavour to ensure that—
(a) no such new authorised entity or any person acting on its behalf seeks such information other than what is
necessary, for the purpose of provision of principal telecommunication services or checking the bona fide
use of such telecommunication services by the user;
(b) no such new authorised entity or any person acting on its behalf divulges or uses any such information
except as may be necessary in the course of providing telecommunication services to the user:
Provided that sub-rule (2) shall not apply where—
(i) the information relates to a specific user and such user has consented in writing to such information being
divulged or used, and such information is divulged or used in accordance with the terms of such consent;
or
(ii) the information is already accessible to the public and otherwise known.
(3) Every new authorised entity shall prior to commencement of provision of principal telecommunication services,
confirm in writing to the Central Government that it has taken all necessary steps to ensure compliance with all
applicable laws to protect data privacy and confidentiality of any information of a user, including such compliance by
its employees and consultants.
(4) Notwithstanding anything stated in sub-rule (2), the new authorised entity shall, on receiving a direction from the
Central Government in the public interest for the purpose of ensuring telecom cybersecurity, enable the Central
Government to access and utilise the data as it may require for the performance of any function in accordance with the
applicable law.
(5) Every new authorised entity shall not share any information relating to its telecommunication network with any other
person except with the prior approval of the Central Government in writing:
Provided that no such approval shall be required for providing such details of the telecommunication network as
may be required by its telecommunication equipment suppliers or manufacturers.
38. Services during public emergency, and for public safety and disaster management.— (1) Every new authorised
entity shall for the purposes of disaster management, ensuring public safety or providing response to an emergency or a
disaster as defined under the Disaster Management Act, 2005 (53 of 2005), adhere to such directions or guidelines issued
by the Central Government in this regard.
(2) Every new authorised entity that holds access service authorisation shall—
(a) facilitate dissemination of alert messages through short message service, cell broadcast or any other means as
may be directed by Central Government, State Government or any officer authorised in this behalf by the
Central Government or State Government; and
(b) implement roaming in accordance with the guidelines or directions issued by the Central Government or the
designated agency.
CHAPTER VI
SECURITY CONDITIONS
PART A
GENERAL SECURITY CONDITIONS
39. Management of new authorised entity.—(1) Every new authorised entity shall ensure the following, namely:—
(a) majority of directors on the board of such new authorised entity shall be Indian citizens;
(b) the chief officer in charge of telecommunication network, security, officers in charge of core
telecommunication network and system administrators of such new authorised entity shall be resident Indian
citizens; and
(c) the nodal officers authorised by such new authorised entity under the Telecommunications (Procedures and
Safeguards for Lawful Interception of Messages) Rules, 2024, and designated by such new authorised entity
under the Telecommunications (Temporary Suspension of Services) Rules, 2024, as well as any other nodal
officer of that new authorised entity dealing with the subject matter of these rules, shall be resident Indian
citizens.
(2) Every new authorised entity shall ensure security vetting of any foreign nationals by the Ministry of Home Affairs
in the Government of India—
(a) prior to the appointment of such foreign national to the positions of the chairman, managing director, chief
executive officer or chief financial officer, and such security vetting shall be done on an annual basis for the
duration of such appointment; and
(b) prior to the deployment of such foreign national for the establishment, operation, maintenance or expansion
of its telecommunication network.
(3) Every new authorised entity shall apply for security vetting provided in sub-rule (2) in accordance with the orders,
directions or guidelines issued by the Central Government, and the decision of the Ministry of Home Affairs in the
Government of India in this regard shall be binding on such new authorised entity.
40. Enrolment of users, activation of principal telecommunication services and updating of user information.—
(1) Every new authorised entity shall ensure identification of each user of its principal telecommunication services in
accordance with applicable law.
(2) In respect of principal telecommunication services notified under sub-section (7) of section 3 of the Act, the relevant
new authorised entity shall undertake identification of a user, in accordance with the applicable law,—
(a) prior to enrolment and activation of principal telecommunication services of such user,
(b) at the time of updating of user information, and
(c) at the time of disconnection of principal telecommunication services on request of such user.
(3) In respect of principal telecommunication services other than those notified under sub-section (7) of section 3 of the
Act, the relevant new authorised entity shall, subject to such orders or directions or guidelines issued by the Central
Government, undertake identification of the user through any method as the new authorised entity may deem fit,—
(a) prior to enrolment and activation of principal telecommunication services of such user;
(b) at the time of updating of user information in the following circumstances, namely:—
(i) if he seeks to change his name, gender or date of birth;
(ii) if there is change of user under sub-rule (7); and
(iii) if the Central Government, with a view to ensure proper and bona fide use of telecommunication service
requires the same through orders, directions or guidelines specified on the portal.
(4) Every new authorised entity shall, at the time of enrolment of a user, collect and maintain the details of information
of such user in its databases, including customer application form and subscriber data record for each principal
telecommunication service, and maintain an updated database of its users in accordance with the orders, directions or
guidelines issued by the Central Government.
(5) Every new authorised entity shall ensure that—
(a) the user information collected by point of sale shall be securely transferred to the relevant systems of the
authorised entity, and no such information shall be stored in physical or electronic form by the point of sale;
and
(b) the subscriber data record and other databases are operated and maintained in compliance with the laws for the
time being in force, including laws relating to data protection and security.
(6) Every new authorised entity shall, prior to activation of principal telecommunication service in respect of a user,
adhere to such orders or directions or guidelines as may be specified on the portal.
(7) Any change in the user of a principal telecommunication services other than those notified under sub-section (7) of
section 3 of the Act (hereinafter referred to as “existing user”) may be done only to the relatives or legal heirs of such
user (hereinafter referred to as “new user”), on a request made by the existing user or new user, subject to the following,
namely:—
(a) the provision of such principal telecommunication service to the new user being treated as a new
telecommunication service connection; and
(b) fulfilment of the following conditions, namely:—
(i) submission of a no objection certificate from the existing user and identification of both users, i.e. the
existing user and the new user, in accordance with sub-rule (3):
Provided that in case the existing user is unable to fulfil any requirement under this clause
due to incapacity, in lieu of such requirement, a medical certificate shall be submitted to evidence
such incapacity;
(ii) in case the existing user is deceased, submission of his death certificate and identification of the new
user in accordance with sub-rule (3); and
(iii) such other conditions as may be specified on the portal.
(8) Every new authorised entity shall provide access to the database maintained under sub-rule (4), and to the traceable
identity of the user to the Central Government, the authorised agency, or the designated agency:
Provided that in case of providing roaming services to foreign users, such new authorised entity shall endeavour
to obtain traceable identity of such users from the relevant telecommunication service provider outside India, as a part
of its roaming agreement.
41. Additional obligations of authorised entities.—(1) Every new authorised entity shall explain to users, in a clear
and explicit manner, their duties and obligations to provide correct information when establishing their identity, while
enrolling for principal telecommunication services, updating user information or disconnecting principal
telecommunication services, and the consequences for non-compliance, including in respect of—
(a) obtaining subscriber identity modules or other telecommunication identifiers through fraud, cheating or
personation;
(b) providing false, incorrect, or forged information or documents, suppressing any material information, or
impersonation, while establishing his or her identity; and
(c) resale or transfer or lease of his telecommunication service connection to any other user:
Provided that this clause shall not restrict the change of user under sub-rule (7) of rule 40, sub-rule (6)
of rule 42 or as provided under the applicable law.
(2) Every new authorised entity shall also explain to users, in a clear and explicit manner their obligations to—
(a) ensure bona fide use of principal telecommunication services, and consequences of misuse of such
telecommunication services as per applicable laws;
(b) forthwith provide information to the new authorised entity of any change in the address of such user,
accompanied by a document evidencing the new address; and
(c) forthwith provide information to the new authorised entity of any change to his user information, to ensure the
accuracy and integrity of information in such new authorised entity’s databases, including in the subscriber
data record:
Provided that the new authorised entity shall duly update information provided by the user under clauses (b)
and (c) in the subscriber data record, while maintaining the old and new information along with time stamp.
(3) If it comes to the notice of the new authorised entity that false, incorrect or forged information or documents were
presented or used, or any material information was suppressed or impersonation was done for identification, enrolment,
disconnection or updating of user information of the user, such new authorised entity shall—
(a) initiate a complaint with the police or file a first information report with the relevant law enforcement agency
with the requisite details, including the details of the false, incorrect or forged information or documents, or
material information suppressed or impersonation done; and
(b) inform to the Central Government on the portal, the steps taken pursuant to clause (a).
(4) If it comes to the notice of the Central Government that the new authorised entity has failed to take any action as
specified in sub-rule (3), the Central Government may direct such new authorised entity to initiate a complaint with the
police or file a first information report with the relevant law enforcement agency and initiate action against that new
authorised entity under Chapter VIII of the Act.
42. Additional conditions for enrolment and activation of principal telecommunication services for business
users.—(1) For the purposes of this rule,—
(a) “business connection” means one or more telecommunication service connections or subscriber identity
modules of such principal telecommunication services, as may be specified on the portal, provided to a business
user for its bona-fide use.
(b) “business user” means a user who—
(i) is a legal person constituted under applicable law, and includes a company, partnership firm, limited
liability partnership, trust, co-operative society, society, Central Government Department and State
Government Department; or
(ii) possesses a trade or business license or permit, by whatever name called, issued under applicable law;
(c) “end user” of a business connection means the individual who uses, for the purposes permitted by the relevant
business user, the subscriber identity module provided to such business user.
(2) Every new authorised entity, in addition to the obligations under rules 40 and 41, shall ensure compliance with
the following, namely:—
(a) undertake due diligence and record in writing the reasons provided by the business user for seeking a
business connection and details of end users of such business connection, if any;
(b) prior to provision of any business connection,—
(i) verify such details and collect such documents as may be specified on the portal, in addition to
those required pursuant to rule 40;
(ii) conduct inspections of the premises where such business user and business connection is located;
(iii) undertake identification of the authorised representative of the business user, and of each end
user, if any, in accordance with the sub-rules (2) or (3) of rule 40, as the case may be; and
(iv) communicate to the business user that the business connection being provided shall be subject to
such business user ensuring proper and bona fide use of the telecommunication service
connection or subscriber identity module by each user;
(c) on activation of a business connection,—
(i) conduct inspections, at least once in every period of six-months and in the presence of authorised
representative of business user, of the premises where such business connection is located, to
verify the bona fide use of the business connections, and maintain and preserve for a minimum
period of two years, the record of such inspection, for verification by the Central Government or
the designated agency; and
(ii) maintain an updated database of business users in accordance with the orders, directions or
guidelines issued by the Central Government, and provide access to such database to the Central
Government, the authorised agency and the designated agency.
(d) If such business user ceased to exist, disconnect each of the business connections of such user and update
the same in the relevant database in accordance with the applicable rules, as well as such orders, directions
or guidelines as may be specified on the portal:
Provided that the Central Government may exempt new authorised entity from applicability of any of the
provisions set forth in this sub-rule in respect of end user or a class of end users.
(3) If a business connection involves telecommunication service connections such as leased circuit, internet leased line,
session initiation protocol trunks, primary rate interface lines or short message service gateway links at the premises of
a business user, the new authorised entity shall, in addition to the provisions of sub-rule (2), also adhere to the following,
namely:—
(a) prior to activation of such connections, it shall undertake an assessment and record the details of all
telecommunication service connections that are connected with public switched telephone network, national
long distance network, international long distance network, public land mobile network, other internet leased
lines, as well as other types of telecommunication service connections as may be available with such business
user at its premises, accompanied by the reasons provided by the business user for such connections;
(b) communicate and specify the activities that are prohibited for such business user, in the customer application
form;
(c) inspect the premises where the business connection is located, within fifteen days of activation to check misuse
or connection of internet leased line with such telecommunication service connections; and
(d) ensure that a diagram of the telecommunication network along with details of telecommunication links at the
premises of each business user is available with such new authorised entity, and provide the same for inspection
as may be required by the Central Government or the designated agency.
(4) If the new authorised entity detects misuse of any business connection during physical inspection or otherwise, it
shall forthwith disconnect such business connection, and initiate appropriate proceedings under applicable law against
such business user, and shall communicate to the Central Government in writing of action taken in this regard within
twenty-four hours of detection of such misuse.
(5) The Central Government may, on receiving the communication under sub-rule (4),—
(a) share the information regarding the misuse of business connection by the business user, with other new
authorised entities or licensees; and
(b) direct withdrawal of all or some of the business connections issued to such business user.
(6) The following conditions shall apply in respect of any change in end user of a business connection made by the
authorised representative of the business user concerned, namely:—
(a) the new authorised entity shall explain to such authorised representative his obligation to inform the new
authorised entity of such change within such period as may be specified on the portal; and
(b) the new authorised entity shall explain to such authorised representative, in a clear and explicit manner, his
obligation to ensure that identification of the new end user is undertaken, in accordance with sub-rules (2) or
(3) of rule 40, as the case may be, within fifteen days from the date of intimation of such change, failing which
such new authorised entity shall disconnect the business connection:
Provided that nothing in this sub-rule shall apply in respect of end user or class of end users exempted under the
proviso to sub-rule (2).
Explanation.—For the purposes of this rule, “authorised representative” in relation to a business user means—
1. the whole-time members of the governing body to which the management of affairs of such user is entrusted;
2. the chief executive of such user, who is entrusted with substantial powers of management in respect of the
whole of the affairs of that user; and
3. any other individual specifically authorised by such governing body or chief executive, in this behalf.
43. Additional conditions for enrolment and activation of principal telecommunication services for natural
persons.—(1) Every new authorised entity, individually and collectively with other new authorised entities or licensees,
providing specified type of principal telecommunication services, shall not provide to a user who is a natural person a
telecommunication service connection or subscriber identity module in excess of such number as may be specified by
the Central Government by notification:
Provided that the Central Government may specify different numbers for different types of principal
telecommunication services and service areas:
Provided further that the Central Government may specify on the portal a mechanism to verify and inspect the
number of connections or subscriber identity modules provided to such user.
(2) Every new authorised entity shall, prior to providing any telecommunication service connection or subscriber identity
module to the user, seek an undertaking that such user does not hold connections or subscriber identity modules in
excess of such number as may be specified by the Central Government under sub-rule (1).
(3) Every new authorised entity shall, if an undertaking provided by the user in sub-rule (2) is incorrect or false, in
addition to any other action, disconnect the principal telecommunication services.
(4) If a natural person seeks leased circuit, internet leased line, session initiation protocol trunks, primary rate interface
lines or short message service gateway links, the provisions of sub-rules (2), (3), (4) and (5) of rule 42 shall apply mutatis
mutandis.
44. Data to be located in India.—No new authorised entity shall transfer the following information to any person or
place outside India, namely:—
(a) accounting information relating to a user, except for international roaming and billing related information:
Provided that nothing in this rule shall restrict any financial disclosure as may be required under these
rules or as under applicable law;
(b) user information, except in respect of information pertaining to international private leased circuit users and
foreign users using such new authorised entity’s telecommunication network while roaming.
45. Maintenance of records.—(1) Every new authorised entity shall—
(a) ensure that all documentation, including software details of telecommunication equipment and systems are
obtained from manufacturer, vendor or supplier of telecommunication equipment and systems in English
language and preserve such documentation;
(b) maintain a record of all software updates and changes, and provide to the Central Government details of such
category of software updates and changes within fifteen days of completion of such updates and changes as
decided by the Central Government from time to time:
Provided that this clause is without prejudice to the obligations of a new authorised entity in respect
of critical telecommunication infrastructure under the Telecommunications (Critical Telecommunication
Infrastructure) Rules, 2024.
(c) obtain the details of the supply chain of the telecommunication equipment and systems, from the manufacturer,
vendor or supplier of the telecommunication equipment and systems at the time of procurement and keep a
record of the same;
(d) keep a record of operation and maintenance procedure in the form of a manual;
(e) maintain and store records of all operations and command logs, which shall include the details of command
given along with the details of executing authority, date, time and place, in a manner so as to enable access to
the Central Government or designated agency—
(i) on real-time basis, for a minimum period of twelve months; and
(ii) on a non-real time basis in digital mode for the next twenty-four months.
(2) Every new authorised entity shall maintain all commercial records, subscriber data record, call data record or call
detail record, exchange detail record, internet protocol detail record or internet protocol data record and any other similar
records for all principal telecommunication services provided by such new authorised entity in accordance with the
orders, directions or guidelines issued by the Central Government for a period of two years unless directed otherwise by
the Central Government:
Provided that the Central Government may direct that new authorised entity to maintain the records specified
in this sub-rule for a period longer than two years in respect of any user.
(3) Every new authorised entity shall provide the details of the records maintained under sub-rule (2) to the Central
Government or the designated agency.
46. Domestic traffic not to be routed outside India.— Every new authorised entity shall ensure that domestic traffic,
or any part thereof, is not hauled or routed through any place outside India:
Explanation.—For the purposes of this rule, it is clarified that usage of satellites and domestic submarine cables for
transmitting and receiving domestic traffic without transiting through any country other than India, shall not be treated
as hauling or routing domestic traffic outside India.
47. Securing information transacted through telecommunication network.—(1) Every new authorised entity shall
take adequate and timely measures to ensure that the messages communicated through the telecommunication network
are secure and protected.
(2) Every new authorised entity shall ensure privacy of messages communicated through its telecommunication network
and that unauthorised interception of messages does not take place:
Provided that nothing in this sub-rule shall prevent the new authorised entity from providing records of
messages and other data from its telecommunication network to the Central Government or the authorised agency, on
receipt of a direction in exercise of powers under the applicable law.
(3) Without prejudice to the obligations under the Telecommunications (Telecom Cyber Security) Rules, 2024, every
new authorised entity shall implement appropriate fraud management and prevention system using the latest available
technologies, including big data analytics, artificial intelligence or other suitable mechanism, to detect any anomalous
behaviour of user or point of sale, misuse of telecommunication services, establishment of any clandestine or illegal
telecommunications networks, any threat to telecom cyber security and users that avail of principal telecommunication
services fraudulently, and shall take action including filing of police complaints or first information reports against those
found involved in such activities.
(4) Every new authorised entity shall also provide the details of all users and telecommunication identifiers detected
through the fraud management and prevention system implemented under sub-rule (3) to the Central Government or
designated agency on the portal.
(5) Every new authorised entity shall, on receiving a request from the Central Government or the designated agency,
provide information and support as necessary in respect of any investigation for detection of any anomalous behaviour
of user or point of sale, misuse of telecommunication services, establishment of any clandestine or illegal
telecommunication network, any threat to telecom cyber security and users that avail of principal telecommunication
services fraudulently.
48. Calling line identification.—(1) Every new authorised entity shall ensure presentation of calling line identification
to a called user—
(a) in a manner that is secured from tampering; and
(b) in accordance with such requirements as may be specified on the portal.
(2) Every new authorised entity shall deploy appropriate technical measures, including automated tools or other suitable
mechanisms, to identify call attempts with false, tampered or spoofed calling line identification in its telecommunication
network and prevent call using such calling line identification.
49. Prevention of use of telecommunication network for unauthorised or unlawful activities.— Every new
authorised entity shall ensure that its telecommunication network is used only for providing principal telecommunication
services for which it is authorised, to bona fide users and not for undertaking any activities or commissioning any action
that constitutes an offence under the Act, the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 (45 of 2023) or any other law for the time
being in force, including laws prohibiting crimes against the State.
50. Trusted sources and trusted products.—(1) For the purpose of this rule, the designated authority shall be the
National Cyber Security Coordinator of the Central Government, who shall determine the categories of
telecommunication equipment for which the security requirements relating to trusted sources and trusted products are
applicable, and specify the same on its website for this purpose.
(2) The designated authority may specify the list of trusted sources along with the associated trusted products for the
categories of telecommunication equipment as specified under sub-rule (1).
(3) The designated authority may specify the procedure for inclusion of telecommunication equipment in the list of
trusted sources and trusted products referred to in sub-rule (2).
(4) The designated authority may also specify a list of persons from whom no procurement of telecommunication
equipment may be undertaken.
(5) Every new authorised entity shall adhere to conditions as specified by the designated authority on its website for
procurement of telecommunication equipment and establish, operate, maintain and expand only trusted products in its
telecommunication network.
(6) Every new authorised entity shall register itself on the website specified by the designated authority and provide
relevant details relating to the telecommunication network or telecommunication equipment as may be required by such
authority.
(7) Every new authorised entity shall, prior to the procurement of telecommunication equipment or categories thereof,
for establishing its telecommunication network or any upgradation or expansion thereof, adhere to the following process,
namely:—
(a) if the designated authority has already determined certain telecommunication equipment as trusted products
and their corresponding trusted sources under sub-rule (2), such new authorised entity shall ensure compliance
with the same and submit to the designated authority,—
(i) the list of telecommunication equipment and the sources from which it is planning to procure; and
(ii) periodic reports of procurement of telecommunication equipment and sources thereof, and the locations
of deployment of the same;
(b) if clause (a) is not applicable, such new authorised entity shall submit to the designated authority the details of
the telecommunication equipment and their sources from which it is intending to procure the same, as per the
procedure specified by the designated authority for this purpose under sub-rule (3);
(c) if the designated authority approves the telecommunication equipment and their sources as submitted under
clause (b) above, such new authorised entity shall proceed to procure and install the same; and
(d) such new authorised entity shall adhere to such directions or guidelines, including the guidance for enhanced
supervision and effective control of telecommunication networks, issued by the Central Government or the
designated authority.
(8) Every new authorised entity shall provide relevant technical, operational, supply chain and security-related
information relating to the telecommunication equipment deployed or being deployed in its telecommunication network,
on receiving a request from the Central Government or the designated authority in this regard.
(9) Every new authorised entity shall submit to the Central Government or the designated agency, compliance reports
under this rule, through the portal, within such date as may be specified therein.
(10) These rules shall be without prejudice to any other measure that the Central Government may take in the interest of
national security under section 21 of the Act, which shall be binding on new authorised entities.
51. Breach of security provisions.—(1) Any civil penalty imposed for breach of security provisions on a new
authorised entity shall be without prejudice to any other liability and criminal proceedings under applicable law.
(2) The Central Government may blacklist such manufacturer, vendor or supplier from doing business in India who has
supplied the telecommunication equipment, including hardware or software that has caused the breach of security
provisions under these rules.
(3) Every new authorised entity shall include a provision to give effect to sub-rule (2), in the agreement signed with
manufactures, vendors or suppliers.
52. Prohibition of certain activities.—(1) A telecommunication network of a new authorised entity established under
these rules shall not be used for transmission of—
(a) messages which are illegal or unauthorised as per applicable law, including rules made under the Information
Technology Act, 2000 (21 of 2000); or
(b) messages infringing copyright and intellectual property right in any form.
(2) Every new authorised entity shall take necessary measures to prevent transmission of message in violation of sub-
rule (1), in its telecommunication network, on receipt of such direction from the Central Government or an order of the
court.
(3) Every new authorised entity shall facilitate without any delay, where so required by the Central Government or the
designated agency, tracing of any messages including objectionable, obscene, unauthorised, nuisance, obnoxious or
malicious calls or messages transmitted through its telecommunication network for purposes of investigation or for
detection of crimes or in the interest of national security:
Provided that any damages arising on account of such new authorised entity’s failure in this regard shall be
payable by that new authorised entity.
(4) Every new authorised entity shall ensure that its employees, manufacturers, suppliers, vendors, consultants or any
other relevant person that have access to the telecommunication network or any information relating to provision of
principal telecommunication services maintain secrecy and confidentiality of any confidential information divulged to,
or available with such new authorised entity for proper implementation of the authorisation.
(5) Every new authorised entity shall ensure that its telecommunication network or installation thereof does not become
a safety or health hazard and is not in contravention of any applicable law.
53. Providing remote access to the telecommunication network.—(1) Every new authorised entity shall seek prior
permission of the Central Government, to provide remote access to its telecommunication network from a location
outside India and for seeking such permission it shall provide the following details, namely:—
(a) purpose and duration of such remote access and details of the person who shall access its telecommunication
network; and
(b) details of the specific location of the telecommunication network within India to which remote access is sought
from the specific location outside India.
(2) A new authorised entity may, pursuant to the permission obtained under sub-rule (1), provide remote access to its
telecommunication network, subject to the following conditions, namely:—
(a) such new authorised entity shall provide remote access only through approved locations within India from
approved locations outside India and shall be limited to the purpose as specified under such permission;
(b) the remote access to the telecommunication network shall not enable access to subscriber data record, lawful
interception system and lawful interception monitoring facilities, call detail records, internet protocol detail
records, call content of messages and any other such sensitive data as may be specified by the Central
Government through orders, directions or guidelines that it may issue in this regard;
(c) such new authorised entity shall provide such suitable technical systems, as may be specified on the portal, at
the approved location in India, that is connected with the approved location outside India, to enable the Central
Government or the designated agency to access and monitor the mirror image of the information available at
the approved location outside India, in accordance with the directions issued by the Central Government in this
regard; and
(d) such new authorised entity shall maintain the complete audit trail of the remote access activities pertaining to
the telecommunication network for a period of six months at the approved location in India and provide such
information to the Central Government or the designated agency, in accordance with the directions or guidelines
issued by the Central Government in this regard.
(3) This rule shall be without prejudice to the obligations of the new authorised entity with regard to critical
telecommunication infrastructure under the Telecommunications (Critical Telecommunication Infrastructure) Rules,
2024.
54. General security conditions.—(1) Every new authorised entity shall—
(a) be responsible for security of its telecommunications network and undertake measures as may be required to
ensure security of the telecommunication network;
(b) provide facilities as the Central Government may require to respond to any situations of espionage, subversive
acts, sabotage or any other unlawful activity;
(c) ensure capability to suspend provision of principal telecommunication services in such areas and subject to
such accuracy as may be specified by the Central Government or the State Government in respect of the
boundary of the area so specified;
(d) ensure that all its manufacturers, vendors or suppliers adhere to such directions relating to security of the
telecommunication network as may be issued by the Central Government, including providing access to such
new authorised entity, the Central Government or the designated agency to inspect the hardware, software,
design, development, manufacturing facility and supply chains of such manufacturers, vendors or suppliers,
for the purpose of conducting security checks and risk assessments at any time; and
(e) provide the geographical location of any user at a given point of time on receiving a request from the Central
Government or the designated agency:
Provided that in case of terrestrial mobile services, along with the location details, latitude and
longitude of base station shall also be provided.
(2) Every new authorised entity shall implement appropriate technical and organisational measures, and reasonable
security safeguards to ensure effective observance of the provisions of these rules.
(3) This rule shall be without prejudice to any other measure that the Central Government may take in the interest of
national security under section 21 of the Act.
PART B
SECURITY CONDITIONS IN RESPECT OF REGULATION OF POINT OF SALE
55. Applicability of Part B of Chapter VI.—This Part shall apply to such principal telecommunication services as
may be specified on the portal.
56. Point of sale.—For the purpose of this Part,—
(a) “point of sale” means a person providing point of sale services and who may be,—
(i) a new authorised entity or licensee; or
(ii) an agent, franchisee or distributor of a new authorised entity or licensee who shall be a company, a
partnership firm, sole proprietorship or a person possessing a trade or business license, permit or
registration, by whatever name called, to carry on a trade or business, issued under applicable law;
or
(iii) any person employed or engaged in any manner by a person referred to in sub-clauses (i) and (ii).
Explanation.—If the point of sale is a person as specified under sub-clause (iii), such person shall be
treated as a distinct point of sale;
(b) “point of sale services” means the services relating to—
(i) identification of a user to avail of principal telecommunication services; or
(ii) enrolment of a user to avail of principal telecommunication services; or
(iii) updating of user information; or
(iv) distribution of subscriber identity module or user terminals; or
(v) recharge and other billing activities in respect of principal telecommunication services; or
(vi) disconnection of principal telecommunication services of a user.
57. Obligations of new authorised entity in respect of point of sale.—(1) Every new authorised entity shall register
and enter into agreement with each point of sale, in accordance with this rule, for the provision of relevant point of sale
services:
Provided that such new authorised entity shall be solely responsible to ensure compliance with the terms and
conditions set forth under these rules, including adequate verification of user prior to enrolment of such user for principal
telecommunication services.
(2) Every new authorised entity shall, prior to entering into an agreement with a point of sale,—
(a) develop a mechanism for generation and sharing of unique point of sale identity’s, including any such existing
identity’s, in real time, in a joint collaboration with other new authorised entities and licensees:
Provided that such mechanism shall ensure that each point of sale shall be assigned only one unique
point of sale identity, which shall be common in respect of all new authorised entities and licensees who have
entered into agreements with such point of sale;
(b) register the point of sale, in the following manner, namely:—
(i) identify such point of sale using documents as may be specified on the portal;
(ii) authenticate the identity of such point of sale using verifiable biometric based identification;
(iii) undertake physical verification of the addresses of the residence, if applicable, and place of business
declared by such point of sale, and as and when such information is updated by that point of sale, and
record the location coordinates of such addresses, during such physical verification;
(iv) assign a unique point of sale identity to such point of sale; and
(v) if directed by the Central Government, undertake the process of police verification of such point of
sale, in respect of such service area as may be specified by the Central Government in such direction.
(3) Every new authorised entity shall—
(a) maintain the details of the point of sale and update the contact details or any other information of such point of
sale, within seven days from any change in such details; and
(b) share the database containing details as specified in clause (a) with the Central Government, the authorised
agency or the designated agency on a real time basis.
(4) On completion of the steps specified under sub-rule (2), the new authorised entity shall enter into agreement with
the point of sale, specifying the terms and conditions of point of sale services, including—
(a) scope and duties of such point of sale;
(b) the process of identification, enrolment, disconnection and updating of user information, including
specification of equipment that may be used for this purpose, in conformity with the applicable rules as well as
directions, procedures or instructions as may be specified on the portal;
(c) area of operations of such point of sale, which shall be limited to the service area of authorisation of such new
authorised entity:
Provided that if the service area of that new authorised entity is the national service area, the area of
operation of that point of sale shall be limited to a specific geographical area, corresponding to the telecom
circle or metro service area, as specified in Schedule B:
Provided further that if services are being offered to a business user, that point of sale shall be of the
service area where such business user has its registered office or corporate office, and the area of operation of
such point of sale that is offering the service to the registered or corporate office of such business user shall
extend to other geographical areas where such business user may require or utilise the services;
(d) inter-se relationship of such point of sale with another point of sale, if any;
(e) prohibition of any transfer or assignment of such agreement;
(f) prohibition of any delegation of duties and obligations of such agreement;
(g) consequences for violation of any term or condition of the agreement, including liquidated damages and
termination of such agreement;
(h) provide details of assigned point of sale identity; and
(i) the Central Government shall not have any liability in respect of any dispute between a new authorised entity
and a point of sale.
(5) Every new authorised entity shall, pursuant to entering into an agreement under sub-rule (4),—
(a) communicate a unique point of sale identity, in real time, to all other such type of new authorised entities or
licensees as specified by the Central Government; and
(b) maintain and update an online supply chain management system of subscriber identity module and specified
type of user terminals on a real time basis, as well as details of movement of such subscriber identity module
and user terminals from authorised entity to users, directly or through a point of sale, and provide such details
when required by the Central Government, the authorised agency or the designated agency.
(6) In respect of point of sale providing point of sale services limited to recharge and other billing activities, sub-rules
(2), (4), (5) and clause (b) of sub-rule (3) shall not be mandatory.
(7) Every new authorised entity shall use such information technology tools as are necessary to detect and prevent any
unusual or suspicious activities on part of the point of sale or the user, including those which may occur during the
registration of point of sale, or performance of point of sale services by the point of sale, and inform the details on the
portal, of such point of sale or user to the Central Government.
(8) Every new authorised entity shall terminate the agreement with a point of sale, and block the unique point of sale
identity of such point of sale, across all authorisations held by such new authorised entity, within twenty-four hours of
occurrence of any of the following circumstances, namely:—
(a) if that new authorised entity finds that any information or document provided by the point of sale during the
process of registration or entering into the agreement is false or forged; or
(b) if that new authorised entity detects any unusual or suspicious activities as per sub-rule (7); or
(c) on receiving any direction for termination from the Central Government.
(9) The new authorised entity that blocks a unique point of sale identity under sub-rule (8) shall—
(a) communicate such information to all other new authorised entities across all service areas, in real time, and
such other new authorised entities shall also terminate their respective agreements with such point of sale,
within twenty-four hours of receipt of such information; and
(b) ensure that such point of sale shall not be able to undertake any point of sale services.
(10) Every new authorised entity, in respect of termination under sub-rules (8) and (9), shall—
(a) submit a report to the Central Government, detailing all actions taken in respect of termination, within three
days of such termination; and
(b) ensure that no agreement for engagement of such point of sale is made for a duration of at least three years
thereafter across all service areas of authorisation.
(11) Every new authorised entity shall forthwith, re-verify all users that had been previously enrolled by the point of
sale referred to in sub-rule (8) during a period of up to three months, as may be decided by the Central Government,
prior to blocking unique point of sale identity.
(12) The Central Government may, on occurrence of any other contravention of these rules on account of actions of a
point of sale, other than those specified under sub-rule (8) or in the interest of national security, direct the new authorised
entity to take relevant action against the point of sale, as per the agreement referred to in sub-rule (4).
(13) Every new authorised entity shall implement directions issued under sub-rule (12) and shall bear all liabilities in
this regard.
(14) Every new authorised entity shall indemnify the Central Government in respect of all claims, costs, charges or
damages that may arise in furtherance of this rule.
(15) The agreement between the authorised entity and the point of sale is independent of the Central Government, and
the Central Government shall not have any liability in respect of any dispute between a new authorised entity and a point
of sale.
CHAPTER VII
SPECIFIC CONDITIONS FOR PROVISION OF PRINCIPAL TELECOMMUNICATION SERVICES
USING SATELLITE NETWORK
58. Applicability of Chapter VII.—This chapter shall apply to every new authorised entity intending to provide or
providing principal telecommunication service using satellite network, and all such new authorised entities shall adhere
to the conditions specified in this chapter, as well as other terms and conditions of such authorisation as provided under
these rules.
59. Provision of principal telecommunication services through satellite network.—(1) Every new authorised entity
intending to establish, operate, maintain or expand a satellite network, or to provide principal telecommunication service
using a satellite network, shall apply for permission of the Central Government, in such form and manner as specified
on the portal, accompanied by the following information, namely:—
(a) details of the satellite or space segment capacity, including relevant information as specified under sub-rule
(2);
(b) details of the satellite earth station gateway along with its location details; and
(c) any other information as may be required by the Central Government.
(2) A new authorised entity making an application under sub-rule (1) shall,—
(a) own the relevant satellite or space segment capacity authorised by the Department of Space in the Government
of India, or any other designated agency specified for this purpose; or
(b) enter into an agreement with an entity that has the relevant satellite or space segment capacity authorised by
the Department of Space in the Government of India, or any other designated agency specified for this purpose,
that contains enforceable obligations as specified under sub-rule (4).
(3) The Central Government may, subject to its assessment of the application, grant permission to the new authorised
entity, subject to such terms and conditions as it may specify in such permission, including that such new authorised
entity—
(a) may use one or more permitted satellite or space segment capacity, subject to compliance with the condition
that the satellite earth station gateway for each such satellite or space segment capacity is located in India; and
(b) shall prior to undertaking such change in the satellite network or in frequency band as specified in the orders,
directions or guidelines issued by the Central Government, apply on the portal, for its approval in writing.
(4) Every new authorised entity shall report the following incidents to the Central Government, and shall adhere to such
directions issued by the Central Government in this behalf, namely:—
(a) unauthorised satellite signal that it may detect originating or terminating within India; and
(b) unauthorised access from India of any satellite that may be under its control or operation which is being used
to provide service outside India.
(5) If a new authorised entity enters into an agreement under clause (b) of sub-rule (2), it shall, for the purposes of
compliance with sub-rule (4), ensure that such agreement provides for an obligation on the entity, with whom such new
authorised entity has entered into agreement, to forthwith inform that new authorised entity of any incident referred to
in sub-rule (4).
(6) A new authorised entity that has been granted permission under sub-rule (3) may apply for assignment of spectrum
under applicable law, subject to meeting any other eligibility conditions for such assignment under such law.
Explanation.—For the removal of doubts, it is clarified that grant of permission under sub-rule (3) shall not be construed
as conferring any right to the assignment or use of spectrum on a new authorised entity.
60. Technical and operating conditions.—(1) A new authorised entity permitted to use satellite network under rule 59
shall adhere to the following technical and operating conditions, namely:—
(a) ensure that all traffic on the satellite network originating from or terminating on the user terminals located
in India shall pass through a satellite earth station gateway, located in India, of such new authorised entity;
(b) ensure that no traffic originating from or terminating at a user terminal located in India is routed via satellite
earth station gateways located outside India, directly or through inter-satellite communication links,
including during failure of satellite earth station gateway located in India or as part of telecommunication
network optimisation;
(c) ensure that the telecommunication traffic shall not be mirrored to any satellite network or telecommunication
network located outside India through inter-satellite communication links or through any other means;
(d) provide real-time traffic monitoring facility to ensure the compliance of clauses (a) to (c) above;
(e) ensure that no direct communication shall take place between two or more user terminals through one or
more satellites, without routing the telecommunication traffic through satellite earth station gateway;
(f) provide any information of and conduct tests, for interference monitoring, and to take necessary steps, as
directed by the Central Government, for its mitigation; and
(g) very small aperture terminal or any other fixed satellite service user terminal used for providing backhaul
link to a base station or connectivity to an internet node or any other telecommunication equipment, shall be
located in the service area of such new authorised entity having such base station or internet node or any
other telecommunication equipment:
Provided that the corresponding satellite earth station gateway may be located anywhere in India and
the connecting transmission link from such satellite earth station gateway to the core telecommunication
network of that new authorised entity using such backhaul link or connectivity shall be established as per the
applicable rules.
Explanation.—It is clarified that any transmission using the backhaul link or connectivity between the
satellite earth station gateway and the corresponding core telecommunication network of the new authorised
entity shall not be considered as inter service area traffic.
(2) Every new authorised entity may, subject to the prior permission of the Central Government in writing, for which
an application may be submitted in such form and manner and subject to such terms and conditions as specified on the
portal,—
(a) use its satellite earth station gateway established in India for providing telecommunication services to users
located outside India, subject to—
(i) obtaining all clearances, by whatever name called, as may be required to provide such
telecommunication services in the relevant jurisdiction where the user is located, and
(ii) compliance with such directions as issued by the Central Government in this behalf; or
(b) enter into arrangements with entities providing telecommunication services, in areas outside India, after
obtaining all clearances, by whatever name called, as may be required to provide such telecommunication
services in the relevant jurisdiction where the user is located, for enabling use of the new authorised entity’s
satellite earth station gateway established in India for uplink and downlink of signals to and from satellites,
subject to compliance with such directions as issued by the Central Government in this behalf.
(3) The Central Government may, subject to its assessment of the application made under sub-rule (2), after making
such inquiry as it deems fit, require the applicant to furnish such information as it may call for, and may grant such
permission as requested by the new authorised entity under sub-rule (2), subject to such terms and conditions as it may
specify while granting permission, including the following, namely:—
(a) messages between the satellite earth station gateway established in India and telecommunication network of
foreign carriers shall be confined to only such satellite earth station gateway so as to enable transmission of
such messages directly to the telecommunication network of foreign carriers, and shall not be transmitted into
or received from a telecommunication network or user terminal located in India; and
(b) messages between the satellite earth station gateway in India and telecommunication network of foreign
carriers shall be routed through authorised international long distance gateway.
(4) Every new authorised entity shall indemnify the Central Government against any and all claims that may arise from
the implementation of the arrangements covered under sub-rules (2) and (3).
61. Rollout obligations.—(1) Every new authorised entity having permission under rule 59 for provision of principal
telecommunication service, may establish its own satellite earth station gateway or use the satellite earth station gateway
established by other new authorised entities or licensees that are eligible for sharing or providing such satellite earth
station gateways under the terms of their respective authorisation or license.
(2) Every new authorised entity having an assignment of the spectrum for satellite network under the applicable law,
shall rollout the telecommunication network, using satellite earth station gateway referred to in sub-rule (1) and assigned
spectrum within twelve months from the date of assignment of such spectrum, as required for providing principal
telecommunication services to its users.
(3) Every new authorised entity shall register with the Central Government on the portal, in accordance with the orders,
directions or guidelines issued by the Central Government, for verification of the compliance of rollout obligations
specified in sub-rule (2), as per the norms as may be specified on the portal.
(4) On successful verification in sub-rule (3), the date of registration with the Central Government shall be treated as
the date of compliance of the rollout obligations.
(5) In case of failure of verification in sub-rule (3), such new authorised entity shall re-register, after necessary
corrections, and in such cases, the date of re-registration with the Central Government, on successful verification, shall
be treated as the date of compliance of the rollout obligation.
(6) Any failure to adhere to the rollout obligations as specified in sub-rule (2) shall be treated as breach of terms and
conditions of the authorisation and shall be dealt as per the provisions of Chapter VIII of the Act:
Provided that if the rollout obligations are complied with within thirty days of the expiry of the due date for
complying with such obligations, the Central Government may consider the same as timely fulfilment of rollout
obligations.
(7) In case of failure to adhere to the rollout obligations, in addition to imposition of civil penalty as per the provisions
of Chapter VIII of the Act, the spectrum assignment for satellite network shall be subject to the relevant provisions of
the Act and the terms and conditions of spectrum assignment.
62. Security conditions.—(1) Every new authorised entity having permission in rule 59 shall, prior to provision of
principal telecommunication services to users using satellite network, successfully demonstrate the lawful interception
systems and lawful interception monitoring facilities as required under rule 34, and any other additional functional
requirement that the Central Government may specify.
(2) The operation, maintenance and control facility for the satellite earth station gateway and user terminals connected
with the satellite network of a new authorised entity shall be located in India.
(3) Every new authorised entity shall ensure that the permitted satellite network be used only for providing principal
telecommunication services for which it is authorised and such satellite network is not used for any unauthorised
activities including surveillance and electronic warfare, or in a manner that may prejudice the sovereignty and security
of India.
(4) Every new authorised entity shall ensure that in addition to the telecommunication identifier based interception and
monitoring, geographic location-based interception and monitoring is also possible.
(5) Every new authorised entity shall ensure that a user registered outside India and using a user terminal compatible
with the permitted satellite or space segment, shall register such user terminal with such new authorised entity before
operating the same in India.
(6) Every new authorised entity shall ensure that any access to its principal telecommunication services to a user shall
be provided only after registering the user terminal provided to such user, on equipment identity register of such new
authorised entity:
Provided that a user who has procured a user terminal from outside the territory of India, may be registered with
such new authorised entity, subject to verification of the customs clearance obtained by such user in respect of such user
terminal:
Provided further that such customs clearance shall not be required in respect of a user terminal that operates in
the exclusive economic zone of India.
(7) Every new authorised entity shall report to the Central Government on the portal, any attempt to access or use the
satellite network by a user terminal not registered under sub-rule (6), accompanied by the information about such user
terminal and its location.
(8) Every new authorised entity shall undertake such technical measures as may be required to ensure due compliance
with sub-rule (7).
(9) The Central Government may notify suitable mechanism for online co-ordination on a regular basis between the air,
land and sea customs authorities and the new authorised entity for exchange of information in respect of user terminals
of satellite network legally brought into the territory of India which would facilitate such new authorised entity in
identification and segregation of user terminals of satellite network clandestinely brought into India, to prevent their
access to the satellite network.
(10) Every new authorised entity shall monitor the operations of user terminals of satellite network within India, as per
the directions of the Central Government, the authorised agency or the designated agency, and on receiving directions
from the Central Government, shall provide details relating to the identity and location of such user terminals.
(11) Every new authorised entity shall—
(a) ensure that no location spoofing tool, whether hardware or software, be incorporated with the user terminals
to hide the actual location of the user terminals; and
(b) deploy appropriate technical measures, including automated tools or other suitable mechanisms for
identification and reporting of any such device in its telecommunication network.
(12) Every new authorised entity shall bind stationary type fixed satellite service user terminals to the geo-location of
the premises of the user, with +/- 100 meters accuracy, including in respect of any relocation.
(13) Every new authorised entity shall ensure that no user relocates the stationary type fixed satellite service user
terminal except with the prior approval in writing from such new authorised entity.
(14) Every new authorised entity shall discontinue the provision of principal telecommunication services to a user who
attempts to, or relocates its stationary type fixed satellite service user terminal, without its prior approval in writing.
(15) Every new authorised entity shall ensure that the principal telecommunication services to any user terminal, in idle
mode or in use, are discontinued when such user terminal enters into the restricted areas referred to in sub-rule (2) of
rule 35.
(16) Every new authorised entity shall ensure compliance with the directions and timelines issued by the Central
Government in respect of provision of positioning services through Indian regional navigation satellite systems in its
user terminals.
CHAPTER VIII
SPECIFIC CONDITIONS FOR TYPES OF PRINCIPAL TELECOMMUNICATION SERVICES
63. Applicability of Chapter VIII.—(1) In addition to the rules mentioned in Chapter I to Chapter VII, the rules
mentioned in different Parts of this Chapter shall also apply to a new authorised entity providing specific principal
telecommunication services specified in the scope of the relevant Part of this Chapter.
(2) In the event of any conflict between the rules mentioned in Chapter I to Chapter VII and Chapter VIII, the rules
mentioned in Chapter VIII shall prevail to the extent of such conflict.
PART A
UNIFIED SERVICE AUTHORISATION
64. Applicability of Part A.—This Part shall apply to a new authorised entity that holds a unified service authorisation,
and save as otherwise expressly provided in this Part, any reference to expressions—
(a) “new authorised entity” means such new authorised entity that holds unified service authorisation;
(b) “network service operator” means such network service operator that holds unified service authorisation; and
(c) “virtual network operator” means such virtual network operator that holds unified service authorisation.
65. Scope of unified service authorisation.—(1) The unified service authorisation to a network service operator
consists of authorisation for the following principal telecommunication services, namely:—
(a) principal telecommunication services authorised under access service authorisation to a network service
operator;
(b) principal telecommunication services authorised under internet service authorisation to a network service
operator; and
(c) principal telecommunication services authorised under long distance service authorisation to a network service
operator.
(2) The unified service authorisation to a virtual network operator consists of authorisation for the following principal
telecommunication services, namely:—
(a) principal telecommunication services authorised under access service authorisation to a virtual network
operator;
(b) principal telecommunication services authorised under internet service authorisation to a virtual network
operator; and
(c) principal telecommunication services authorised under long distance service authorisation to a virtual network
operator.
(3) Every new authorised entity that holds a unified service authorisation may provide the principal telecommunication
services specified under sub-rules (1) or (2), as the case may be, only through wireline or wireless terrestrial networks,
satellite networks or submarine networks.
(4) The specific terms and conditions specified under these rules for access service authorisation, internet service
authorisation and long distance service authorisation, shall be applicable for providing the respective principal
telecommunication services under the unified service authorisation, unless specified otherwise in this Part.
(5) Every new authorised entity shall provide only such principal telecommunication services which are authorised
under the scope of its authorisation, and not any other telecommunication service which requires a separate authorisation
from the Central Government.
66. Financial conditions.—Notwithstanding anything contained in sub-rule (3) of rule 26, every new authorised entity
shall draw, maintain and furnish separate accounts in respect of principal telecommunication services authorised
under—
(a) access service authorisation for each telecom circle or metro service area within the national service area;
(b) internet service authorisation; and
(c) long distance service authorisation.
67. Technical and operating conditions.—(1) Every new authorised entity shall ensure that the connectivity to disaster
management platform and public safety answering point is made available at the State or Union territory level.
(2) Every network service operator may interconnect its telecommunication network with the telecommunication
network of a network service operator licensee or any other network service operator that holds any authorisation under
these rules, for handing or taking over the telecommunication traffic at any mutually agreed location, failing which, the
interconnection shall take place at the point of interconnection.
(3) Every virtual network operator shall, in addition to sub-rule (1), also adhere to the following conditions, namely:—
(a) it shall enter into contract as specified in sub-rule (2) of rule 9, to connect its telecommunication network to its
parent network service operator’s telecommunication network and shall provide the details of such contract or
any modifications thereof to the Central Government within seven days on the portal; and
(b) it shall only connect or peer its telecommunication network with the telecommunication networks of parent
network service operator, and any interconnection with other authorised telecommunication networks shall be
undertaken only by its parent network service operator.
PART B
ACCESS SERVICE AUTHORISATION AND WIRELINE ACCESS SERVICE AUTHORISATION
68. Applicability of Part B.—This Part shall apply to every new authorised entity that holds an access service
authorisation or wireline access service authorisation, and save as otherwise expressly provided in this Part, any
reference to expressions—
(a) “new authorised entity” means such new authorised entity that holds access service authorisation or wireline
access service authorisation;
(b) “network service operator” means such network service operator that holds access service authorisation; and
(c) “virtual network operator” means such virtual network operator that holds access service authorisation or
wireline access service authorisation.
69. Scope of access service authorisation.—(1) The access service authorisation to a network service operator consists
of authorisation for the following principal telecommunication services, namely:—
(a) transmission, emission or reception of voice and non-voice messages, including video messages;
(b) principal telecommunication services authorised under internet service authorisation to a network service
operator;
(c) internet telephony service;
(d) intra-circle long distance calls;
(e) captive non-public network as a telecommunication service;
(f) cell broadcast service;
(g) direct air-to-ground communication service;
(h) machine-to-machine service;
(i) enterprise communication services; and
(j) if the network service operator has access service authorisation for all twenty-two service areas, it may also
provide in-flight and maritime connectivity service.
(2) The access service authorisation to a virtual network operator consists of authorisation for the following principal
telecommunication services, namely:—
(a) transmission, emission or reception of voice and non-voice messages, including video messages;
(b) principal telecommunication services authorised under internet service authorisation to a virtual network
operator;
(c) internet telephony service;
(d) intra-circle long distance calls;
(e) cell broadcast service;
(f) direct air-to-ground communication service;
(g) machine-to-machine service;
(h) enterprise communication services; and
(i) if the virtual network operator has access service authorisation for all twenty-two service areas, it may also
provide in-flight and maritime connectivity service.
(3) Every new authorised entity may provide principal telecommunication services specified under sub-rules (1) or (2),
as the case may be, to users only through,—
(a) mobile user terminals; or
(b) fixed user terminal with wireline access; or
(c) fixed user terminal with wireless access; or
(d) very small aperture terminal or earth station in motion terminal for fixed satellite service; or
(e) user terminal to access mobile satellite service; or
(f) machines including internet of things devices and sensor type user terminals; or
(g) routers or switches; or
(h) any other type of user terminal as may be specified on the portal.
(4) Every new authorised entity that holds an access service authorisation may provide the principal telecommunication
services specified in sub-rules (1) or (2), as the case may be, through wireline or wireless terrestrial networks, satellite
networks or submarine networks.
(5) Every new authorised entity shall provide only such principal telecommunication services which are authorised
under the scope of its authorisation, and not any other telecommunication service which requires a separate authorisation
from the Central Government.
(6) The specific terms and conditions specified under these rules for internet service authorisation except for limited
internet telephony shall be applicable for providing the same under the access service authorisation, unless specified
otherwise in this Part.
(7) The terms and conditions specified under the Telecommunications (Authorisation for Provision of Miscellaneous
Telecommunication Services) Rules, 2026, as applicable for enterprise communication services, machine-to-machine
services and in-flight maritime connectivity services shall be applicable for providing such services under the access
service authorisation, unless specified otherwise in this Part.
70. Scope of wireline access service authorisation.—(1) The wireline access service authorisation to a virtual network
operator consists of authorisation for the following principal telecommunication services, namely:—
(a) transmission, emission or reception of voice and non-voice messages, including video messages;
(b) principal telecommunication services authorised under internet service authorisation to a virtual network
operator;
(c) internet telephony service;
(d) intra-circle long distance calls;
(e) machine-to-machine service; and
(f) enterprise communication services authorised under enterprise communication service authorisation.
(2) Every virtual network operator that holds a wireline access service authorisation shall provide principal
telecommunication services referred to in sub-rule (1) to users only through—
(a) wireline terrestrial network; and
(b) fixed user terminals with wireline access or machines including internet of things devices and sensor type user
terminals or routers or switches or any other type of user terminal as may be specified on the portal.
(3) Every virtual network operator that holds a wireline access service authorisation shall provide only such principal
telecommunication services which are authorised under the scope of its authorisation, and not any other principal
telecommunication service which requires a separate authorisation from the Central Government.
(4) The specific terms and conditions specified under these rules for internet service authorisation except for limited
internet telephony shall be applicable for providing the same under the wireline access service authorisation, unless
specified otherwise in this Part.
(5) The terms and conditions specified under the Telecommunications (Authorisation for Provision of Miscellaneous
Telecommunication Services) Rules, 2026, as applicable for enterprise communication services and machine-to-
machine services shall be applicable for providing such services under the wireline access service authorisation, unless
specified otherwise in this Part.
71. Technical and operating conditions.—(1) The following technical and operating conditions apply to every new
authorised entity, namely:—
(a) if it holds access service authorisation, it shall, prior to commencement of provision of principal
telecommunication services to users over mobile user terminals, establish mobile number portability
functionality and test such functionality as per the test schedule and test procedure as may be specified on the
portal;
(b) it shall ensure that inter service area traffic from one service area to another service area shall be routed through
the national long distance network;
(c) it shall ensure that international long distance traffic shall be routed through the national long distance network
to the international long distance gateway for onward transmission to telecommunication networks of foreign
carriers;
(d) it shall assign telecommunication identifiers to its users in accordance with the national numbering plan as may
be specified on the portal;
(e) if it has more than one access service authorisation or wireline access service authorisation in different service
areas, it may deploy any of its telecommunication equipment anywhere within the service area of its
authorisation:
Provided that such deployment of telecommunication equipment shall be subject to the security
conditions as specified in these rules, and in compliance with applicable law in case of telecommunication
equipment for point of interconnection;
(f) if it simultaneously holds, an authorisation under this Part and internet service authorisation under Part C, in a
common geographical area, it shall, prior to commencement of principal telecommunication service, declare
to the Central Government the authorisation under which such services shall be provided by it.
Illustration: If A, a new authorised entity having internet service authorisation in national service area, obtains
any authorisation under this Part in Haryana and Gujarat service areas, then A shall declare to the Central
Government, prior to the commencement of principal telecommunication service in Haryana and Gujarat
service areas, whether A will provide internet services under internet service authorisation or under any
authorisation in this Part;
(g) if it simultaneously holds, an authorisation under this Part and long distance service authorisation under Part
D, in a common geographical area, and intends to provide domestic leased circuit, it shall, prior to
commencement of principal telecommunication service, declare to the Central Government the authorisations
under which such services shall be provided by it.
Illustration: If A, a new authorised entity having authorisation to provide long distance services in national
service area, obtains any authorisation under this Part in Haryana and Gujarat service areas, and intends to
provide domestic leased circuit, then A shall declare to the Central Government, prior to the commencement
of such principal telecommunication service in Haryana and Gujarat service areas, whether A will provide
domestic leased circuit services under long distance service authorisation or under any authorisation in this
Part;
(h) it shall,—
(i) independently or by entering into contract with other new authorised entities or licensees having
authorisation or license to provide access services, provide all public utility services as well as
emergency services, including toll-free services such as public safety answering point, police, fire,
ambulance and any other toll-free services as may be specified by the Central Government through
orders, directions or guidelines; and
(ii) while providing the services referred to in sub-clause (i) take all measures to ensure that messages
are delivered to the designated control room of the concerned authority, as may be specified on the
portal; and
(i) it shall, for the purpose of carriage of bearer telecommunication traffic, provide interconnection to the new
authorised entity or licensee that holds an authorisation or license to provide national long distance services.
(2) For provision of machine-to-machine service under this authorisation, in addition to the terms and conditions
specified in sub-rule (1), the following technical and operating conditions apply to every new authorised entity,
namely:—
(a) if it is providing machine-to-machine services,—
(i) it may establish, operate, maintain or expand wireless personal area network or wireless local area
network for machine-to-machine service using spectrum exempted from the requirement of
assignment under the applicable law; and
(ii) it shall adhere to such directions or guidelines issued by the Central Government in respect of
roaming of foreign machine-to-machine subscriber identity module in India;
(b) if it is providing machine-to-machine services or machine-to-machine subscriber identity modules to another
new authorised entity or licensee that holds an authorisation or license to provide machine-to-machine service,
ensure that such services or use of such subscriber identity modules shall be confined only to the specific use
cases as has been intimated by such new authorised entity or licensee to the Central Government under the
Telecommunications (Authorisation for Provision of Miscellaneous Telecommunication Services) Rules, 2026
or license; and
(c) if it owns and manages a platform for subscription profile management of machine-to-machine subscriber
identity module, in respect of subscription profile management of machine-to-machine subscriber identity
module, it shall adhere to the standards and conformity assessment measures, including the standards for
security of subscription manager-data preparation and subscription manager-secure routing, as may be notified
by the Central Government under section 19 of the Act.
(3) For provision of internet telephony service under this authorisation, the following technical and operating conditions
apply to every new authorised entity, namely:—
(a) internet telephony services may be provided to users having fixed or mobile user terminals;
(b) telecommunication identifiers shall be assigned by the new authorised entity to a user only from among such
telecommunication identifiers that have been allotted to it pursuant to the national numbering plan and subject
to the terms and conditions for such allotment;
(c) every new authorised entity may assign the same telecommunication identifier for mobile service and mobile
internet telephony service to a user;
(d) every new authorised entity may assign the same telecommunication identifier for fixed service and fixed
internet telephony service to a user;
(e) Internet Protocol address assigned to a user for internet telephony shall conform to the Internet Protocol
addressing scheme of Internet Assigned Numbers Authority and the details of such Internet Protocol addresses
shall be submitted to the Central Government on the portal;
(f) internet telephony calls originated by international out-roamers from international locations shall be handed
over at the international long distance gateway of new authorised entity or licensee having authorisation or
license to provide international long distance services and international termination charges shall be paid to the
terminating entity having authorisation or license to provide access services:
Provided that if the new authorised entity is not able to ensure that the internet telephony call originated
outside India is routed through such international long distance gateway, it shall cease provision of international
out-roaming facility to its internet telephony users;
(g) the public Internet Protocol address used for originating or terminating internet telephony calls shall be part of
call data record and in case of internet telephony, the location details of user with such level of accuracy as the
Central Government may specify shall be provided to the Central Government, if so required by it;
(h) calling line identification restriction facility shall not be provided for internet telephony users;
(i) the new authorised entity providing internet telephony service may facilitate access to emergency number calls
as specified in the national numbering plan, using location services:
Provided that such new authorised entity shall inform internet telephony users about the limitation of
providing access to emergency services in unambiguous terms;
(j) the new authorised entity shall inform its users of quality of service parameter supported by it in respect of
internet telephony.
(4) In addition to the technical and operating conditions under sub-rules (1), (2) and (3), the following technical and
operating conditions apply to a network service operator, namely:—
(a) it shall interconnect and provide interconnection to the telecommunication network of all eligible new
authorised entities or licensees which hold any authorisation or license, to ensure that the calls are completed
to all destinations;
(b) it shall not refuse to interconnect its telecommunication network directly with the international long distance
gateway, in situations where its point of presence and the point of presence of a new authorised entity or
licensee having authorisation or license to provide international long distance services are located at the same
station;
(c) it may enter into mutual agreement for roaming facilities with other network service operators or network
service operator licensees providing access services;
(d) it may enter into mutual agreement with a telecommunication service provider outside India to provide
international roaming facility to its users, unless otherwise directed by the Central Government;
(e) it may provide captive non-public network as a telecommunication service to a user by using its
telecommunication network including through telecommunication network slicing;
(f) if it has access spectrum assigned to it, it may establish isolated captive non-public network for users, using
such spectrum:
Provided that while establishing such isolated captive non-public networks and providing captive non-
public network as a telecommunication service through public telecommunication network under clause (e), it
shall ensure that the applicable standards of quality of service are maintained;
(g) if it decides to surrender the spectrum, which is being used by its users for captive non-public networks, it shall
give notice of such surrender, at least six months before the effective date of surrender of such spectrum, to
such users of captive non-public networks;
(h) it may carry intra service area traffic on its home network or it may enter into mutual agreements with the
entities having authorisation or license to provide access services or national long distance services, for carrying
its intra service area traffic in respect of long distance services; and
(i) for provision of internet telephony service, it may interconnect its internet telephony network with public
switched telephone network or public land mobile network.
(5) In addition to the technical and operating conditions under sub-rules (1), (2) and (3), following technical and
operating conditions apply to a virtual network operator that holds access service authorisation, namely:—
(a) it shall enter into contract as specified in sub-rule (2) of rule 9 to connect its telecommunication network to its
parent network service operator’s telecommunication network and shall provide the details of such contract or
any modifications thereof to the Central Government within seven days on the portal;
(b) it shall only connect its telecommunication network with the telecommunication network of parent network
service operator, and any interconnection with other authorised telecommunication networks shall be
undertaken only by its parent network service operator;
(c) it shall not integrate the telecommunication networks obtained from different parent network service operators
for routing of traffic from one parent network service operator to another parent network service operator; and
(d) it shall obtain from its parent network service operator a range of telecommunication identifiers from the
telecommunication identifiers allocated to its parent network service operator by the Central Government; and
(e) it may establish its radio access network as per the mutual agreement with its parent network service operator,
utilising backhaul spectrum and access spectrum assigned to its parent network service operator.
(6) In addition to the technical and operating conditions under sub-rules (1), (2) and (3), following technical and
operating conditions apply to a virtual network operator that holds wireline access service authorisation, namely:—
(a) it shall enter into contract as specified in sub-rule (2) of rule 9 to connect its telecommunication network to its
parent network service operator’s telecommunication network and shall provide the details of such contract or
any modifications thereof to the Central Government, within seven days, as may be specified on the portal;
(b) it shall only connect its telecommunication network with the telecommunication network of parent network
service operator, and any interconnection with other authorised telecommunication networks shall be
undertaken only by its parent network service operator;
(c) it shall not integrate the telecommunication networks obtained from different parent network service operators
for routing of traffic from one parent network service operator to another parent network service operator; and
(d) it shall obtain from its parent network service operator a range of telecommunication identifiers from the
telecommunication identifiers allocated to its parent network service operator by the Central Government.
72. Security conditions.—(1) Every new authorised entity shall, for intercepted messages, supply call related
information, in accordance with the orders, directions or guidelines issued by the Central Government, which shall
include the following, namely:—
(a) called and calling party telecommunication identifiers, including when user is roaming;
(b) time, date and duration of call;
(c) location of target user, providing the details specified in sub-rule (2);
(d) co-ordinates and name of base station site;
(e) telecommunication identifiers, if any call-forwarding feature has been invoked by target user;
(f) data records for failed call attempts; and
(g) call data records of roaming users.
(2) Every new authorised entity shall provide location details of mobile users with such details, and with such level of
accuracy as the Central Government may specify.
(3) Every new authorised entity shall maintain local international out roamer repository which shall be updated on real
time basis with telecommunication identifiers of its users, who are on international roaming.
(4) Every new authorised entity shall update the central international out roamer system on real time basis.
(5) Every new authorised entity shall not provide calling line identification restriction facility to users except in
accordance with the standard operating procedure issued by the Central Government in this regard.
(6) Every new authorised entity shall list its users having calling line identification restriction facility accompanied by
their complete address and details, on a password protected website, and shall enable access to such website, as may be
required, to the Central Government or the designated agency.
(7) While providing calling line identification restriction facility to users, every new authorised entity shall ensure that
the calling line identification is carried end-to-end throughout the telecommunication network:
Provided that calling line identification restriction facility shall not be provided in case of business connections.
(8) Every new authorised entity shall ensure that the subscriber identity module personalisation is carried out, in
accordance with such notifications, orders, directions or guidelines issued by the Central Government for this purpose
or standards and conformity assessment measures, including those notified under section 19 of the Act.
PART C
INTERNET SERVICE AUTHORISATION
73. Applicability of Part C.—This Part shall apply to a new authorised entity that holds a internet service authorisation,
and save as otherwise expressly provided in Part, any reference to expressions—
(a) “new authorised entity” means such new authorised entity that holds internet service authorisation;
(b) “network service operator” means such network service operator that holds internet service authorisation; and
(c) “virtual network operator” means such virtual network operator that holds internet service authorisation.
74. Scope of internet service authorisation.—(1) The internet service authorisation to a network service operator
consists of authorisation for the following principal telecommunication services, namely:—
(a) internet service;
(b) internet telephony service limited to computers or Internet Protocol based customer premises equipment
connecting only the following, namely:—
(i) computer to computer, within or outside India;
(ii) computer, device or adapter, conforming to notified standards, in India to public switched telephone
network or public land mobile network user terminals outside India; and
(iii) any computer, device or adapter, conforming to notified standards, connected in India with internet node
using static internet protocol address to similar computer, device or adapter, within or outside India;
(c) domestic leased circuit;
(d) internet leased line;
(e) internet protocol television service, in accordance with applicable law;
(f) machine-to-machine service limited to internet services; and
(g) if the network service operator has internet service authorisation for national service area, it may also provide
in-flight and maritime connectivity services limited to internet services.
(2) The internet service authorisation to a virtual network operator consists of authorisation for the following principal
telecommunication services, namely:—
(a) internet services;
(b) internet telephony service limited to computers or Internet Protocol based customer premises equipment
connecting only the following, namely:—
(i) computer to computer, within or outside India;
(ii) computer, device or adapter, conforming to notified standards, in India to public switched telephone
network or public land mobile network user terminals outside India; and
(iii) any computer, device or adapter, conforming to notified standards, connected in India with internet node
using static internet protocol address to similar computers, device or adapter, within or outside India;
(c) domestic leased circuit;
(d) internet leased line;
(e) internet protocol television service, in accordance with applicable law;
(f) machine-to-machine service limited to internet services; and
(g) if the virtual network operator has internet service authorisation for national service area, it may also provide
in-flight and maritime connectivity services limited to internet services.
Explanation.—The expression “computer” means any electronic, magnetic, optical or other high-speed data processing
device or system which performs logical, arithmetic, and memory functions by manipulations of electronic, magnetic
or optical impulses, and includes all input, output, processing, storage and software.
(3) Every new authorised entity may provide the principal telecommunication services specified under sub-rules (1) or
(2), as the case may be, to fixed users only through—
(a) fixed user terminal with wireline access; or
(b) fixed user terminal with wireless access; or
(c) fixed machines including fixed internet of things devices and fixed sensor type terminals; or
(d) routers or switches; or
(e) any other type of terminal as may be specified on the portal.
(4) Every new authorised entity may also provide the principal telecommunication services specified under sub-rules
(1) or (2), as the case may be, to users through user terminals to avail of fixed satellite service as per the standards
notified under section 19 of the Act.
(5) Every new authorised entity may provide the principal telecommunication services specified under sub-rules (1) or
(2), as the case may be, through wireline or wireless terrestrial networks, satellite networks or submarine networks.
(6) Every new authorised entity providing internet services may establish, operate, maintain or expand the international
internet gateway, after obtaining requisite security clearance and prior written permission from the Central Government
in accordance with the orders, directions or guidelines issued by the Central Government.
(7) Every new authorised entity may establish, operate, maintain or expand low power wide area network using spectrum
exempted from the requirement of assignment under the applicable law, for providing machine-to-machine service using
wireless terrestrial networks.
Explanation.—For the purpose of this sub-rule, “low power wide area network” means a type of wide area network
which provides wireless connectivity to low-power devices over large distances that is suited for machine-to-machine
communication.
(8) Every new authorised entity shall provide only such principal telecommunication services which are authorised
under the scope of its authorisation, and not any other telecommunication service which requires a separate authorisation
from the Central Government.
(9) The following provisions shall apply to every new authorised entity which has obtained authorisation as a network
service operator:
(a) a network service operator may provide:
(i) domestic leased circuit to any other new authorised entity or licensee that holds any authorisation or
license, for connecting their telecommunication network equipment, including backhaul connectivity;
and
(ii) internet bandwidth to another new authorised entity or licensee that holds an authorisation or license to
provide internet services;
(b) a network service operator may establish, operate, maintain or expand the internet exchange point as per the
terms and conditions applicable for such internet exchange point authorisation specified under applicable law,
unless specified otherwise in these rules; and
(c) a network service operator, who has established international internet gateway, may provide international
internet bandwidth to other network service operator or network service operator licensee that holds
authorisation or license to provide internet services.
(10) The terms and conditions specified under the Telecommunications (Authorisation for Provision of Miscellaneous
Telecommunication Services) Rules, 2026, as applicable for in-flight and maritime connectivity services and machine-
to-machine services shall be applicable for providing such services under the internet service authorisation, unless
specified otherwise in these rules.
75. Technical and operating conditions.—(1) The following technical and operating conditions apply to every new
authorised entity, namely:—
(a) it shall, for providing internet protocol television services, adhere to the applicable law and such directions or
guidelines issued by the Central Government in this behalf;
(b) it shall not—
(i) connect a user of its internet telephony service to or from a user of public switched telephone network
or public land mobile network in India;
(ii) use E.164 numbering plan of the International Telecommunications Union for internet telephony; and
(iii) undertake translation of E.164 number or private number to Internet Protocol address allotted to any
telecommunication equipment or vice-versa;
(c) it shall ensure that the addressing scheme for internet telephony is in compliance with the Internet Protocol
addressing Scheme of Internet Assigned Numbers Authority;
(d) it shall obtain Internet Protocol addresses for the provision of internet services, from authorised internet
registries directly and the details of such Internet Protocol addresses shall be submitted to the Central
Government on the portal;
(e) if it provides internet services using spectrum which has been exempted from the requirements of assignment
under the Act, the new authorised entity shall adhere to orders or directions or guidelines in respect of such
spectrum as may be specified on the portal;
(f) it shall provide unrestricted access to all the content available on the internet to its users except for such
content which is restricted by the Central Government;
(g) if it has separate internet service authorisation and long distance service authorisation in a common
geographical area, and intends to provide domestic leased circuit, it shall declare to the Central Government,
prior to commencement of such principal telecommunication service, the authorisation under which such
service shall be provided by it.
Illustration: If A, a new authorised entity having authorisation to provide long distance services in national
service area, obtains internet service authorisation in Haryana and Gujarat service areas, and intends to provide
domestic leased circuit, then A shall declare to the Central Government, prior to the commencement of such
principal telecommunication service in Haryana and Gujarat service areas, whether A will provide domestic
leased circuit services under long distance service authorisation or internet service authorisation;
(h) it may establish, operate, maintain or expand wireless personal area network or wireless local area network
for machine-to-machine service using spectrum exempted from the requirement of assignment under the
applicable law;
(i) it shall, while providing machine-to-machine service using wireless personal area network or wireless local
area network, connect such network with the telecommunication network of a new authorised entity or
licensee that holds any authorisation or license, for backhaul connectivity;
(j) it shall not—
(i) engage in any discriminatory treatment of content, including based on the sender, receiver, protocols
being used or user terminal; and
(ii) enter into any arrangement, agreement or contract, by whatever name called, with any person that has
the effect of discriminatory treatment of content;
(k) notwithstanding clause (j), the new authorised entity may—
(i) provide specialised services subject to the following conditions, namely:—
(a) the specialised services are not usable or not offered as a replacement for internet services; and
(b) the provision of such specialised services is not detrimental to the availability and overall quality
of internet services;
(ii) adopt any proportionate, transient and transparent measures falling under any of the following
categories, namely:—
(a) reasonable traffic management practices as may be specified on the portal;
(b) provision of emergency services or any other services as may be required during any public
emergency, as per such processes as may be specified on the portal;
(c) implementation of any order of a court or direction that is issued by the Central Government;
(d) measures for preserving the integrity and security of the telecommunication network and
telecommunication equipment; and
(e) appropriate measures in pursuance of an international treaty, as may be specified on the portal.
Explanation.—For the purpose of clauses (j) and (k),—
1. “content” includes all content, applications, services and any other data, including its end-point
information, which may be accessed or transmitted over the internet.
2. “discriminatory treatment” includes any form of discrimination, restriction or interference in the
treatment of content, including practices such as blocking, degrading, slowing down or granting
preferential speeds or treatment to any content.
3. “specialised services” means services other than internet services that are optimised for specific
content, protocols or user terminal, where the optimisation is necessary in order to meet specific
quality of service requirements; and
(l) if it is providing machine-to-machine services to any other new authorised entity or licensee that holds an
authorisation or license to provide machine-to-machine service, ensure that such services shall be confined
only to the specific use cases as has been informed by such new authorised entity or licensee to the Central
Government under the Telecommunications (Authorisation for Provision of Miscellaneous
Telecommunication Services) Rules, 2026 or license.
(2) In addition to the technical and operating conditions under sub-rule (1), following technical and operating
conditions apply to a network service operator, namely:—
(a) it may establish peering with the telecommunication network of a network service operator licensee or any
other network service operator that holds any authorisation under these rules, to provide internet services, and
the resources required for such peering shall be as mutually agreed between such entities; and
(b) it shall ensure that its telecommunication network established for provision of internet services is not
connected with telecommunications networks, such as public switched telephone network or public land
mobile network, established for provision of access services in India.
(3) In addition to the technical and operating conditions under sub-rule (1), following technical and operating
conditions apply to a virtual network operator, namely:—
(a) it shall enter into contract as specified in sub-rule (2) of rule 9 to connect its telecommunication network to
its parent network service operator’s telecommunication network and shall provide the details of such contract
or any modifications thereof to the Central Government, within seven days, as may be specified on the portal;
(b) it shall only connect its telecommunication network with the telecommunication network of parent network
service operator, and any interconnection with other authorised telecommunication networks shall be
undertaken only by its parent network service operator;
(c) it may obtain Internet Protocol addresses from its parent network service operator or authorised internet
registries, and get it configured in the telecommunication network of its parent network service operators, and
details of such Internet Protocol addresses shall be submitted to the Central Government on the portal;
(d) it may provide domestic leased circuit to its users by—
(i) connecting its telecommunication equipment to the telecommunication network of its parent network
service operator; or
(ii) using the telecommunication network of its parent network service operator.
76. Security conditions.—(1) Every new authorised entity shall adhere to the following security conditions, namely:—
(a) it shall ensure that the users of internet leased line maintain the usage details of Internet Protocol addresses
and network address translation syslog, in case of multiple users using the same internet leased line, for a
minimum period of two years;
(b) it shall ensure compliance with clause (a) by verifying the systems in place at the time of provision of internet
leased line and subsequently by requiring the users of internet leased line to submit periodic reports or take
any such other measure as necessary for compliance with clause (a), and in case of non-compliance with such
requirements, such new authorised entity shall withdraw the internet leased line from such users;
(c) it shall, at its own cost, provide space of such area as directed by the Central Government, at each location
where it has established its lawful interception monitoring facility with adequate and uninterrupted power
supply and air-conditioning, which is physically secured and accessible only to the authorised agencies; and
(d) it shall block such internet sites, uniform resource locators, uniform resource identifiers or individual users,
as identified and directed by the Central Government in the interest of national security or public interest.
(2) Every network service operator shall, in addition to the sub-rule (1), also adhere to the following security conditions,
namely:—
(a) it shall ensure that another new authorised entity or licensee requesting upstream internet bandwidth to serve
its own downstream users has a valid authorisation or license for providing internet services and if such
authorisation or license is revoked, surrendered or expired, such network service operator shall withdraw
such bandwidth;
(b) it shall, in accordance with directions issued by the Central Government segregate and route traffic of
internet nodes, established at such locations which are important from national security perspective; and
(c) it shall ensure that domain name system used for address resolution is hosted, owned, controlled and
operated within India with adequate redundancy and security measures to ensure uninterrupted domain name
system resolution services.
PART D
LONG DISTANCE SERVICE AUTHORISATION
77. Applicability of Part D.— This Part shall apply to a new authorised entity that holds a long distance service
authorisation, and save as otherwise expressly provided in this Part, any reference to expressions—
(a) “new authorised entity” means such new authorised entity that holds long distance service authorisation;
(b) “network service operator” means such network service operator that holds long distance service authorisation;
and
(c) “virtual network operator” means such virtual network operator that holds long distance service authorisation.
78. Scope of long distance service authorisation.—(1) The long distance service authorisation to a network service
operator consists of authorisation for the following principal telecommunication services, namely:—
(a) national long distance services comprising the following, namely:—
(i) carriage of bearer telecommunication traffic within India;
(ii) carriage of intra-circle and inter-circle long distance calls within India;
(iii) domestic leased circuit; and
(iv) domestic calling card;
(b) international long distance services, by interconnecting with the telecommunication network of foreign
carriers, comprising the following, namely:—
(i) carriage of bearer telecommunication traffic outside India;
(ii) carriage of international long-distance calls to or from foreign carriers;
(iii) international private leased circuit; and
(iv) international calling card.
(2) The long distance service authorisation to virtual network operator consists of authorisation for the following
principal telecommunication services, namely:—
(a) national long distance services comprising the following, namely:—
(i) carriage of bearer telecommunication traffic within India;
(ii) carriage of intra-circle and inter-circle long distance calls within India;
(iii) domestic leased circuit; and
(iv) domestic calling card;
(b) international long distance services, by connecting with the telecommunication network of its parent network
service operator, comprising the following, namely:—
(i) carriage of bearer telecommunication traffic outside India;
(ii) carriage of international long-distance calls to or from foreign carriers;
(iii) international private leased circuit; and
(iv) international calling card.
(3) Every new authorised entity may provide the principal telecommunication services specified under sub-rules (1) and
(2), as the case may be, only through wireline or wireless terrestrial networks, satellite networks or submarine networks.
(4) Every new authorised entity may access the users directly for provision of domestic leased circuit, domestic calling
cards, international private leased circuit or international calling card.
(5) Every new authorised entity shall provide only such principal telecommunication services which are authorised
under the scope of its authorisation, and not any other telecommunication service which requires a separate authorisation
from the Central Government.
(6) The following provisions shall apply to every new authorised entity that has obtained an authorisation as a network
service operator—
(a) such entity may provide domestic leased circuit and international bandwidth on lease to any other new
authorised entity or licensee that holds any authorisation or license under which it is permitted to have such
connectivity;
(b) such entity may establish, operate, maintain or expand the cable landing station or cable landing station point-
of-presence for the following, after obtaining requisite security clearance and prior written permission from the
Central Government, pursuant to an application made in such form and manner as specified on the portal,
namely:—
(i) domestic and international submarine cable systems, to provide principal telecommunication services;
and
(ii) international terrestrial cable systems, to provide international long distance services;
(c) such entity providing international long distance services may establish, operate, maintain or expand the
international long distance gateway, after obtaining requisite security clearance and prior written permission
from the Central Government in accordance with the orders, directions or guidelines issued by the Central
Government.
79. Technical and operating conditions.—(1) Every new authorised entity shall adhere to the following technical and
operating conditions, namely:—
(a) it shall prior to the commencement of provision of principal telecommunication services, establish mobile
number portability functionality and test such functionality as per the test schedule and test procedure as may be
specified on the portal; and
(b) it shall ensure the carriage of all types of bearer telecommunication traffic so that end-to-end principal
telecommunication services may be provided to the users by the new authorised entities or licensees having
authorisation or license to provide access services.
(2) The following shall apply in respect of cable landing station, namely:—
(a) the new authorised entity shall apply, in such form and manner as specified on the portal, and seek separate
permissions and clearances for establishment of cable landing station and laying submarine cables in India:
Provided that the new authorised entity applying for permission to establish cable landing station
point-of-presence, shall not be required to obtain a permission and clearance for laying submarine cables in
India:
Provided further that the permission for international cable landing station and cable landing station –
point-of-presence shall be given to only such authorised entity who has been permitted to establish
international long distance gateway:
Provided also that the permission for domestic cable landing station shall be given to the new
authorised entity which is providing any of the long distance services;
(b) the Central Government may, subject to its assessment of the application made under clause (a), and security
vetting, if required, grant permission, subject to such terms and conditions as may be specified on the portal,
including the following, namely:—
(i) the new authorised entity owning cable landing station may establish submarine line terminating
equipment at such cable landing station or extend its dark fibre pairs, whether owned or leased, in the
submarine cable from the main cable landing station to its cable landing station point-of-presence and
establish submarine line terminating equipment at cable landing station point-of-presence:
Provided that the new authorised entity having fibre pairs in the submarine cable but not owning
the cable landing station may extend its dark fibre pairs, whether owned or leased, in the submarine
cable from the cable landing station to its cable landing station point-of-presence and establish
submarine line terminating equipment at cable landing station point-of-presence;
(ii) domestic submarine cables shall connect two or more cities on the Indian coastline for carrying
domestic traffic, and the domestic submarine cable may go beyond Indian territorial waters or
exclusive economic zone of India, wherever required for physical safety of such cables, subject to
prior permission from the Central Government;
(iii) international submarine cables may carry domestic traffic on dedicated fibre pairs that are provisioned
between two Indian cities:
Provided that such domestic traffic is not transited or routed through any other country outside
India;
(iv) if the domestic and international cables are separate, they may terminate at the same cable landing
station, with each cable having its own separate power feeding equipment and submarine line
terminating equipment;
(v) the new authorised entity shall ensure that a physical separation of terminating equipment for domestic
and international traffic is maintained;
(vi) transit international traffic, which is not meant to be terminated on telecommunication networks in
India, shall be permitted to be transited to other submarine cables or international terrestrial cables
through terrestrial and submarine cables;
(c) every new authorised entity having cable landing station shall seek separate permissions and clearances from
the Central Government for additional submarine cable landing in India;
(d) every new authorised entity shall make necessary arrangements on its own, or through agreements with the
entities providing submarine cable repair service, to ensure that such fault in submarine cable is repaired
within the time limit as may be specified on the portal:
Provided that the Central Government may issue any instruction or direction to all such new authorised
entities who have established cable landing station in India to form a consortium, to ensure that a cable repair
ship along with the required cable repair services team is always available within the Indian territorial waters
and such ship is made available for timely repair of domestic and international submarine cables;
(e) every new authorised entity shall throughout the duration of authorisation, ensure redundancy in its submarine
cable system and international terrestrial cable system, through its own arrangements or by entering into
agreements with other entities operating submarine cable systems with prior permission and clearances from
the Central Government;
(f) if the new authorised entity has separate internet service authorisation and long distance service authorisation
in a common geographical area, and intends to provide domestic leased circuit, it shall declare to the Central
Government, prior to commencement of such principal telecommunication service, the authorisation under
which such service shall be provided by it.
Illustration: If A, a new authorised entity having authorisation to provide long distance services in national
service area, obtains internet service authorisation in Haryana and Gujarat service areas, and intends to
provide domestic leased circuit, then A shall declare to the Central Government, prior to the commencement
of such principal telecommunication service in Haryana and Gujarat service areas, whether A will provide
domestic leased circuit services under long distance service authorisation or internet service authorisation.
(3) In addition to the technical and operating conditions under sub-rules (1) and (2), following technical and operating
conditions apply to a network service operator, namely:—
(a) it shall route international long distance traffic through the international long distance gateway to or from the
interconnected telecommunication network of foreign carrier;
(b) it shall not refuse to interconnect its international long distance network directly with the point of presence of
another new authorised entity or licensee having authorisation or license to provide access services, where
point of presence of both such entities are located at the same station;
(c) it shall for the purpose of carriage of bearer telecommunication traffic establish and provide interconnection to
the new authorised entities or licensees having authorisation or license to provide national long distance
services; and
(d) it shall, in its agreement with foreign carrier for provision of international long distance services, provide that
the foreign carrier does not acquire users in India and does not raise bill or collect revenue to or from any user
in India.
(4) In addition to the technical and operating conditions under sub-rules (1) and (2), following technical and operating
conditions apply to a virtual network operator, namely:—
(a) it shall enter into contract as specified in sub-rule (2) of rule 9, to connect its telecommunication network with
its parent network service operator’s telecommunication network and shall provide the details of such contract
or any modifications thereof to the Central Government, within seven days, as may be specified on the portal;
(b) it shall only connect its telecommunication network with the telecommunication network of parent network
service operator, and any interconnection with other authorised telecommunication networks shall be
undertaken only by its parent network service operator; and
(c) it may provide domestic leased circuit to its users by—
(i) connecting its telecommunication equipment to the telecommunication network of its parent network
service operator; or
(ii) using the telecommunication network of its parent network service operator.
80. Security conditions.—(1) Every new authorised entity shall ensure that calling line identification is not tampered
with and transit the calling line identification as received from any other new authorised entity that holds any
authorisation or foreign carriers:
Provided that the new authorised entity providing international long distance services shall drop all international
incoming calls with no calling line identification, improper calling line identification or spoofed calling line
identification at their gateways and for identifying an improper calling line identification, ITU-T recommendations on
E.164 numbering scheme shall be adhered to:
Provided further that for prevention of spoofed incoming international calls, the new authorised entity providing
international long distance services shall implement the local international out roamer and central international out
roamer system or any other system as may be specified on the portal:
Provided also that the new authorised entity shall ensure that all international calls, handed over by such new
authorised entity to national long distance network or access services telecommunication network, should bear “Nature
of Address Indicator” field in case of Common Channel Signalling System Number 7 or equivalent field in session
initiation protocol or internet protocol signalling as “International Number”.
(2) Every new authorised entity shall, in order to ensure conformity with sub-rule (1), ensure that any agreement with
foreign carriers shall have the necessary provisions for blocking of foreign carrier in case of non-compliance with sub-
rule (1).
(3) Every new authorised entity shall, at its own cost, provide specified space, with adequate and uninterrupted power
supply and air-conditioning, which shall be physically secured and accessible only to the personnel authorised by the
Central Government, at each international gateway location.
(4) The authorised agencies may monitor messages in relevant telecommunication equipment of the telecommunication
network including the international gateway set up by a new authorised entity and such new authorised entity shall make
arrangements for monitoring simultaneous calls by such agencies.
CHAPTER IX
MISCELLANEOUS
81. Breach.—(1) A breach of the terms and conditions under these rules by a new authorised entity shall constitute a
breach as referred to in section 32 of the Act.
(2) The Central Government may, after due consideration of the recommendations received under clause (b) of sub-
section (1) of section 32 of the Act and giving an opportunity of being heard to the new authorised entity, issue an order
of suspension, revocation or curtailment of an authorisation under sub-section (2) of section 32 of the Act.
(3) Every order under sub-rule (2) shall be published by the Central Government on the portal, and be effective from
the sixty-first day from the date of publishing of such order, and the new authorised entity shall give public notice of
such order of curtailment, suspension or revocation within forty-eight hours of it being published on the portal:
Provided that suspension of the authorisation shall not be a cause or ground for extension of duration of the
authorisation.
(4) The new authorised entity shall, on publication of an order under sub-rule (3), give every user of its principal
telecommunication services at least thirty days prior notice of curtailment, suspension or revocation of its authorisation
and of the options available to such users, including mobile number portability.
(5) The new authorised entity shall maintain the quality of principal telecommunication services and telecommunication
network till the effective date referred to in sub-rule (3).
82. Digital implementation.— The Central Government may, in furtherance of section 53 of the Act, notify one or
more portals for digital implementation of these rules, including for providing any form, manner, order, direction or
guidelines to be specified under these rules.
SCHEDULE A
SERVICE AREA, PROCESSING FEE, ENTRY FEE AND INITIAL GUARANTEE FOR EACH
AUTHORISATION FOR PRINCIPAL TELECOMMUNICATION SERVICES
[See rules 6(2)(a), 7(2)(a)(i), 15(1), 23(3)(b), 23(4)(b), 23(5)(b) and 25(3)]
+-----+---------------------------------+---------------------+----------------------+----------------------+----------------------+
| SI. | Category of principal | Service | Service area | Processing Fee | Entry Fee (in | Initial |
| No. | telecommunication | Authorisation | | (in Rs.) per | Rs.) per | Guarantee |
| | service | | | Authorisation | Authorisation | (in Rs.) per |
| | | | | | | Authorisation |
+=====+=================================+=====================+======================+======================+======================+======================+
| 1. | Principal | Unified service | National service | 1 lakh | 12 crores | 44 crores |
| | Telecommunication | authorisation | area | | | |
| | Service (network | | | | | |
| | service operator) | | | | | |
+-----+---------------------------------+---------------------+----------------------+----------------------+----------------------+----------------------+
| 2. | | Access service | Telecom circle | 10,000 | 50 lakh (25 lakh | 2 crores |
| | | authorisation | or metro service | | for North East | |
| | | | area | | and Jammu and | |
| | | | | | Kashmir) | |
+-----+---------------------------------+---------------------+----------------------+----------------------+----------------------+----------------------+
| 3. | | Internet service | National service | 10,000 | 10 lakh | 4 lakh |
| | | authorisation | area | | | |
+-----+---------------------------------+---------------------+----------------------+----------------------+----------------------+----------------------+
| 4. | | Internet service | Telecom circle | 10,000 | 50,000 (25,000 | 20,000 |
| | | authorisation | or metro service | | for North East | |
| | | | area | | and Jammu and | |
| | | | | | Kashmir) | |
+-----+---------------------------------+---------------------+----------------------+----------------------+----------------------+----------------------+
| 5. | | Long distance | National service | 10,000 | 1 crore | 1 crore |
| | | service | area | | | |
| | | authorisation | | | | |
+-----+---------------------------------+---------------------+----------------------+----------------------+----------------------+----------------------+
| 6. | Principal | Unified service | National service | 1 lakh | 3 crores | 4.4 crores |
| | Telecommunication | authorisation | area | | | |
| | Service (virtual | | | | | |
| | network operator) | | | | | |
+-----+---------------------------------+---------------------+----------------------+----------------------+----------------------+----------------------+
| 7. | | Access service | Telecom circle | 10,000 | 12.5 lakh (6.25 | 20 lakh |
| | | authorisation | or metro service | | lakh for North | |
| | | | area | | East and Jammu | |
| | | | | | and Kashmir) | |
+-----+---------------------------------+---------------------+----------------------+----------------------+----------------------+----------------------+
| 8. | | Wireline access | Telecom circle | 10,000 | 50,000 (25,000 | 10,000 |
| | | service | or metro service | | for North East | |
| | | authorisation | area | | and Jammu and | |
| | | | | | Kashmir) | |
+-----+---------------------------------+---------------------+----------------------+----------------------+----------------------+----------------------+
| 9. | | Internet service | National service | 10,000 | 10 lakh | 1 lakh |
| | | authorisation | area | | | |
+-----+---------------------------------+---------------------+----------------------+----------------------+----------------------+----------------------+
| 10. | | Internet service | Telecom circle | 10,000 | 50,000 (25,000 | 10,000 |
| | | authorisation | or metro service | | for North East | |
| | | | area | | and Jammu and | |
| | | | | | Kashmir) | |
+-----+---------------------------------+---------------------+----------------------+----------------------+----------------------+----------------------+
| 11. | | Long distance | National service | 10,000 | 25 lakh | 50 lakh |
| | | service | area | | | |
| | | authorisation | | | | |
+-----+---------------------------------+---------------------+----------------------+----------------------+----------------------+----------------------+
SCHEDULE B
SERVICE AREAS
[See rules 2(1)(aaaf), 4(b), 4(c), 4(d) and 57(4)(c)]
+-----+-------------------------------------+----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------+
| Sl. | Service Area | Area covered |
| no. | | |
+=====+=====================================+==================================================================================================================================================================================+
| 1. | West Bengal Service Area | Entire area falling within the Union territory of Andaman and Nicobar |
| | | Islands and area falling within the State of West Bengal and the State of |
| | | Sikkim, excluding the areas covered by Kolkata Service Area. |
+-----+-------------------------------------+----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------+
| 2. | Andhra Pradesh Service Area | Entire area falling within the State of Andhra Pradesh and the State of |
| | | Telangana. |
+-----+-------------------------------------+----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------+
| 3. | Assam Service Area | Entire area falling within the State of Assam. |
+-----+-------------------------------------+----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------+
| 4. | Bihar Service Area | Entire area falling within the State of Bihar and the State of Jharkhand. |
+-----+-------------------------------------+----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------+
| 5. | Gujarat Service Area | Entire area falling within the State of Gujarat and the Union territory of |
| | | Daman and Diu and Dadra and Nagar Haveli. |
+-----+-------------------------------------+----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------+
| 6. | Haryana Service Area | Entire area falling within the State of Haryana except Panchkula town |
| | | and the local areas served by Faridabad and Gurgaon Telephone |
| | | Exchanges. |
+-----+-------------------------------------+----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------+
| 7. | Himachal Pradesh Service Area | Entire area falling within the State of Himachal Pradesh. |
+-----+-------------------------------------+----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------+
| 8. | Jammu and Kashmir Service Area | Entire area falling within the Union territory of Jammu and Kashmir and |
| | | Union territory of Ladakh. |
+-----+-------------------------------------+----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------+
| 9. | Karnataka Service Area | Entire area falling within the State of Karnataka. |
+-----+-------------------------------------+----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------+
| 10. | Kerala Service Area | Entire area falling within the State of Keralam and the Union territory |
| | | of Lakshadweep. |
+-----+-------------------------------------+----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------+
| 11. | Madhya Pradesh Service Area | Entire area falling within the State of Madhya Pradesh and the State of |
| | | Chhattisgarh. |
+-----+-------------------------------------+----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------+
| 12. | Maharashtra Service Area | Entire area falling within the State of Maharashtra and State of Goa, |
| | | excluding areas covered by Mumbai Service Area. |
+-----+-------------------------------------+----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------+
| 13. | North East Service Area | Entire area falling within the States of Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, |
| | | Mizoram, Nagaland, Manipur and Tripura. |
+-----+-------------------------------------+----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------+
| 14. | Orissa Service Area | Entire area falling within the State of Odisha. |
+-----+-------------------------------------+----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------+
| 15. | Punjab Service Area | Entire area falling within the State of Punjab, the Union territory of |
| | | Chandigarh and Panchkula town of Haryana. |
+-----+-------------------------------------+----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------+
| 16. | Rajasthan Service Area | Entire area falling within the State of Rajasthan. |
+-----+-------------------------------------+----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------+
| 17. | Tamil Nadu Service Area | Entire area falling within the State of Tamil Nadu and the Union |
| | | territory of Puducherry. |
+-----+-------------------------------------+----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------+
| 18. | Uttar Pradesh (West) Service Area | Entire area covered by Western Uttar Pradesh with the following as |
| | | its boundary districts towards Eastern Uttar Pradesh: Pilibhit, |
| | | Bareilly, Badaun, Kasganj, Etah, Mainpuri, Etawah and Auraiya. It |
| | | will exclude the local telephone area of Ghaziabad and Noida. |
| | | Further, it will include the State of Uttarakhand. |
+-----+-------------------------------------+----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------+
| 19. | Uttar Pradesh (East) Service Area | Entire area covered by Eastern Uttar Pradesh with the following as its |
| | | boundary districts towards Western Uttar Pradesh: Shahjahanpur, |
| | | Kannauj, Farrukhabad, Lakhimpur, Kanpur Rural and Jalaun. |
+-----+-------------------------------------+----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------+
| 20. | Delhi Service Area | Local Areas served by Delhi, Ghaziabad, Faridabad, Noida and |
| | | Gurgaon Telephone Exchanges. |
+-----+-------------------------------------+----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------+
| 21. | Kolkata Service Area | Local Areas served by Calcutta Telephones Exchanges. |
+-----+-------------------------------------+----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------+
| 22. | Mumbai Service Area | Local Areas served by Mumbai, New Mumbai and Kalyan Telephone |
| | | Exchanges. |
+-----+-------------------------------------+----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------+
SCHEDULE C
SERVICE AREA, MINIMUM EQUITY, MINIMUM NET WORTH FOR EACH AUTHORISATION FOR
PRINCIPAL TELECOMMUNICATION SERVICES
[See rules 5(a)(i) and 5(a)(ii)]
+-----+---------------------------------+---------------------+----------------------+----------------------+----------------------+
| Sl. | Category of service | Service | Service Area | Minimum Equity | Minimum |
| No. | | Authorisation | | (in Rs.) per | Net worth |
| | | | | Authorisation | (in Rs.) |
| | | | | | per |
| | | | | | Authorisation |
+=====+=================================+=====================+======================+======================+======================+
| 1. | Principal | Unified service | National service | 25 crores | 25 crores |
| | Telecommunication | authorisation | area | | |
| | Services (network | | | | |
| | service operator) | | | | |
+-----+---------------------------------+---------------------+----------------------+----------------------+----------------------+
| 2. | | Access service | Telecom circle or | 2.5 crores | 2.5 crores |
| | | authorisation | metro service area | | |
+-----+---------------------------------+---------------------+----------------------+----------------------+----------------------+
| 3. | | Internet service | National service | 10 lakh | Nil |
| | | authorisation | area | | |
+-----+---------------------------------+---------------------+----------------------+----------------------+----------------------+
| 4. | | Internet service | Telecom circle or | 1 lakh | Nil |
| | | authorisation | metro service area | | |
+-----+---------------------------------+---------------------+----------------------+----------------------+----------------------+
| 5. | | Long distance | National service | 2.5 crores | 2.5 crores |
| | | service authorisation | area | | |
+-----+---------------------------------+---------------------+----------------------+----------------------+----------------------+
| 6. | Principal | Unified service | National service | 10 crores | 10 crores |
| | Telecommunication | authorisation | area | | |
| | Service (virtual network | | | | |
| | operator) | | | | |
+-----+---------------------------------+---------------------+----------------------+----------------------+----------------------+
| 7. | | Access service | Telecom circle or | 1 crore | 1 crore |
| | | authorisation | metro service area | | |
+-----+---------------------------------+---------------------+----------------------+----------------------+----------------------+
| 8. | | Wireline access | Telecom circle or | 1 lakh | Nil |
| | | service authorisation | metro service area | | |
+-----+---------------------------------+---------------------+----------------------+----------------------+----------------------+
| 9. | | Internet service | National service | 10 lakh | Nil |
| | | authorisation | area | | |
+-----+---------------------------------+---------------------+----------------------+----------------------+----------------------+
| 10. | | Internet service | Telecom circle or | 1 lakh | Nil |
| | | authorisation | metro service area | | |
+-----+---------------------------------+---------------------+----------------------+----------------------+----------------------+
| 11. | | Long distance | National service | 1 crore | 1 crore |
| | | service authorisation | area | | |
+-----+---------------------------------+---------------------+----------------------+----------------------+----------------------+
[F. No. 24-07/2025-UBB]
DEVENDRA KUMAR RAI, Jt. Secy.
Login to read full text